Adapting and Developing A Diabetes Prevention Intervention Programme for South Africa: Curriculum and Tools

Abstract

The South African Diabetes Prevention Programme (SA-DPP) is a lifestyle intervention targeting individuals at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this paper we describe the mixed-method staged approach that was used to develop and refine the SA-DPP intervention curriculum and the appropriate tools for local resource-poor communities. During the preparation phase, existing evidence on similar DPP interventions was reviewed, focus group discussions with individuals from the target population were conducted as part of a needs assessment, and experts were consulted. The curriculum booklet, a participant workbook and facilitator workbook were developed, and the content was evaluated by experts in the field. The design and layout of the booklet and workbooks needed to be culturally and contextually appropriate. The printed material was evaluated for readability and acceptability by participants of the target population; based on their feedback, the design and layout were refined and the printed material was translated. The suitability of the intervention was tested in a pilot study; based on feedback from the participants and facilitator, the curriculum was revised where needed and finalised. Through this process a context specific intervention and printed materials were developed. A complete evaluation of this culturally relevant model for T2DM prevention in South Africa is pending.