Kitzman H, et al. – This paper elucidated a community–based participatory research (CBPR) approach to design a novel faith–enhancement to the diabetes prevention program (DPP) for African American (AA) women. The data yielded from this prospective study would present significant information to guide enhancements, to evidence–based lifestyle programs for AA women who were found to be at high risk for chronic disease.

Methods

• A long-standing CBPR partnership designed the faith-enhancement from focus group data (N = 64 AA adults).
• It constituted five components: A brief pastor led sermon, memory verse, in class or take-home faith activity, promises to remember, and scripture and prayer integrated into participant curriculum and facilitator materials.
• The faith components were specifically associated with weekly DPP learning objectives.
• The intent was to strategically emphasize behavioral skills with religious principles.

Results

• With the aid of a CBPR approach, the Better Me Within trial recruited 12 churches, screen 333 AA women, and randomize 221 (M_age = 48.8 ± 11.2; M_BMI = 36.7 ± 8.4; 52% technical or high school) after collection of objective eligibility measures.
• A prospective, randomized, nested by church, design would assess the faith-enhanced DPP as compared to a standard DPP on weight, diabetes and cardiovascular risk, over a 16-week intervention and 10-month follow up.