Abstract
Background
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is up to three times more common in people of Black African and Black Caribbean heritage living in the UK, compared to their White British counterparts. Structured education is the cornerstone of care but is less successful for people from minority ethnic groups. Healthy Eating and Active Lifestyles for Diabetes (HEAL-D) was developed to support diabetes self-management in people of Black African and Caribbean heritage living with T2D in the UK. The intervention was designed using COM-B/behaviour change wheel methodology to specify the theory of change. In a process evaluation study, we explored how the selected behaviour change techniques (BCTs) and components supported behaviour change in the intervention.
Methods
Focus groups and interviews were conducted with participants who were randomised to receive the HEAL-D intervention in a feasibility trial. A topic guide directed discussions to explore experiences of HEAL-D, key learnings and impact, and behaviour change; the interviews gave the opportunity to probe further the focus group themes and areas requiring clarification. Sessions were audio-recorded and transcribed. Framework analysis was used to explore how the selected BCTs supported behaviour change in those attending HEAL-D.
Results
Thirty-six participants took part in one or both activities (44% Black African, 50% Black Caribbean, 6% Mixed race; 61% female, 83% first-generation; mean age 59.5, SD 10.02). Participants reported increased physical activity, reduced carbohydrate portion size and engagement in weight monitoring behaviour. BCTs to increase social opportunity (social comparison, social support) and shift motivational barriers (credible sources and modelling) were effective in addressing cultural barriers around diet, stigma and health beliefs. BCTs to develop capability (demonstration, instruction, information on health consequences) were effective because of the cultural salience of the developed components. Less impactful BCTs were problem solving, graded tasks, goal setting, and feedback on outcomes.
Conclusions
BCTs identified in the development of the HEAL-D intervention were acceptable and effective, particularly useful were those promoting social opportunity as normative cultural habits and beliefs can conflict with diabetes self-management guidance. In addition, lifestyle interventions should include opportunity for experiential learning alongside culturally salient information provision.
Trial registration
number: NCT03531177; May 18th 2018