A theory based education intervention for prevention and management of diabetes in peri-urban Kenya

This study aimed to assess the diabetes knowledge, health beliefs and lifestyle behaviors of adults in peri-urban areas in Nairobi Kenya and thereafter to design and implement a diabetes education intervention to improve these variables. A clustered pre-test post-test randomized design was used, and recruited participants (n=226) were allocated either to the intervention group or control group. Participants in the intervention group attended 1 week of face-to-face education sessions on diabetes, while those in the control group received the standard education on COVID-19 hygiene practices. Data was collected at baseline, posttest and at follow-up assessment (after four weeks). Data collected included diabetes knowledge, health beliefs, dietary intake, household food security, physical activity and weight status. Multivariate logistic regressions were used in analysis of the associations between variables while mixed effect models were used to analyze the effect of the intervention. After the diabetes education intervention, participants in the intervention group significantly increased in knowledge at post intervention, compared to the CG (p=0.000). Perceived susceptibility and benefits increased in the IG versus the CG post intervention (p= 0.004). Self-efficacy in dietary behaviors (p=0.002) and alcohol use (p=0.030) improved in intervention group versus the control group, however self-efficacy in physical activity, and smoking, did not improve. Physical activity and weight status did not improve, however, the intervention group decreased daily mean intake of oils (p=0.000), added sugars (p< 0.001), dairy (p=0.005) and increased fruits (p=0.002), and starchy vegetables (p= 0.000).

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