(P16-016-25) Community-Clinical Partnership to Improve Diabetes Education in Rural Areas

Objectives: Diabetes is a public health challenge, especially in rural areas with limited access to healthcare providers. Health Extension for Diabetes (HED) is a 4-month group education program, which consists of eight sessions delivered by a trained educator from the University Extension Services in partnership with a clinical provider. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the HED program offered for the first time in Tennessee through a community-clinical partnership.

Methods: We conducted eight cohorts of the HED via online (n = 1) and face-to-face (n = 7) methods. We collected data from the program participants via phone interviews before and after the program participation. The surveys included questions about socio-demographic characteristics, diabetes knowledge (diabetes knowledge questionnaire - DKQ; percent score: 0-100), self-efficacy (score range: 0-10), and self-management behaviors. Data were analyzed by SAS software using paired t-test, for continuous variables, and Chi-square test, for categorical variables, to compare participants’ responses before and after the program.

Results: A total of 47 people participated in the program; of whom, 40 (85%) were female, 38 (81%) were white, and the mean age was 69 ± 10 (mean ± SD). While the program is ongoing, 31 participants thus far completed the post assessments. From pre- to post- program, the participants’ mean scores increased for diabetes knowledge by 10.60 points (p = 0.003), and self-efficacy by 1.08 points (p = 0.001). In addition, on average, participants reported a weight loss of 4.61 ± 9.68 pounds (p = 0.01). In terms of health behaviors, there were increases in the prevalence of participants with healthy food choices (as defined by consuming five servings of fruit and vegetables on at least 3 days per week, 68% to 84%, p = 0.68), and being physically active (as defined by 30 minutes of physical activity on at least 3 days of the week, 55% to 74%, p = 0.005).

Conclusions: Our findings show the success of a clinical-community partnership in improve outcomes for people with diabetes. The HED could serve as a model for expanding clinical partnerships in Extension programs addressing chronic conditions.

Funding Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevent (CDC)