Examining the effectiveness of a peer-led education programme for Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in a Bangladeshi population

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess an adapted version of the X-PERT® Programme for Type 2 diabetes within a Bangladeshi population. Methods: Bangladeshi adults, living in the UK, with Type 2 diabetes participated in a diabetes educational session based on an adapted version of the X-PERT® Programme. Participants attended a session, led by a trained peer educator and carried out in Sylheti. All participants who registered on the course were telephoned or visited in person the day before the course as a reminder. Results: Registration to attend the course was excellent. However, actual attendance rates were 58% (42/72) out of those registered. Once participants attended, overall they enjoyed attending the sessions and felt they benefited as they understood more about how to better self-manage their condition. Those aspects of the sessions that were most enjoyed were group discussions and interactive posters to explain diabetes. Participants requested a home-based exercise guide, which was developed by the research team. The study was underpowered to show behaviour change, but did demonstrate a trend to improvement in self-care activities. All participants reported recommending the course to others. Conclusions: There was an excellent response in terms of registration for the course. However, the time to attend the course appeared to be a barrier to participants. Nevertheless, for those attending the course, responses were very positive. The amended X-PERT® Programme could be used as a component of a package to improve outcome and self-management for people with diabetes in the Bangladeshi community. © 2009 The Authors.