Preventing Diabetes Through Volunteer Engagement and Technology: The Development and Pilot Study of P-Divert.

Aim

To develop and examine the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a multicomponent diabetes prevention programme, Preventing Diabetes Via Volunteers Engaging Residence using Technology (P-Divert), in improving intentions to prevent diabetes and promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours.

Design

Pilot quasi-experimental study with matched controls.

Methods

The P-Divert programme was developed following the UK Medical Research Council framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions. Field testing with lay participants and relevant experts informed programme refinement prior to implementation. A pilot quasi-experimental study with matched controls was conducted among adults aged 21-69 years at risk of developing diabetes in Singapore. Data were collected at baseline and 12 weeks using validated instruments. Outcomes included the Diabetes Intentions, Attitudes and Behaviour Questionnaire (DIAB-Q), Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Form C (MHLC-C), Exercise Goal Setting Scale (EGS), Weight-Related Eating Questionnaire (WREQ), and clinical outcomes.

Results

The programme demonstrated acceptable feasibility, with an 80% retention rate and a 70% adherence rate. Compared with the control group, participants in the intervention group reported significantly higher DIAB-Q subjective norm and planning scores, exercise goal setting scores, and WREQ compensatory restraint scores, as well as significantly lower MHLC-C Chance scores.

Conclusion

The P-Divert programme was feasible and showed preliminary potential to improve intentions to prevent diabetes and promote the adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviours among individuals at risk of developing diabetes. IMPLICATIONS TO NURSING The P-Divert programme can potentially enhance at-risk individuals' intentions to adopt healthier behaviours, possibly lowering diabetes prevalence and healthcare burden in Singapore. Its integration into community nursing services could strengthen diabetes prevention efforts and may also have potential applications in the prevention of other chronic diseases, thereby reducing long-term disease management burdens. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Members of the public were recruited as participants in this study.