Participant Satisfaction with the Use of Lay Health Coaches in a Modified Diabetes Prevention Program

Objective: To determine participant satisfaction with two lay health coaches (LHC) who provided support in a modified diabetes prevention program (mDPP) conducted in six high-crime neighborhoods near Pittsburgh, PA.

Methods: Participants were screened for BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² and waist circumference > 88 cm in females and > 102 cm in males to determine eligibility for a 12-week group lifestyle balance (GLB) program. Participants with these criteria were considered at risk for diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease. Program staff consisted of a dietitian, exercise specialist, and two LHC. Satisfaction with LHC was determined with an 11-item questionnaire.

Results: 114 participants were enrolled in the program (87.1% female, 60% non-white, 93% with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²). Of those enrolled, 74.5% (n=85) completed the LHC questionnaire. All participants strongly agreed (82.3%) or agreed (17.7%) that LHC were helpful during class sessions; however, only 36.5% (31) sought LHC advice outside of class. Nearly ¾ of participants (70.6%) sought support from LHC at least once during the program. Of those, 78.3% (47) reported being helped by the LHC emotionally; 90% (54) reported being helped with general food/nutrition information; and 80.3% (50) with exercise information. 1/3 of participants (33.8%) felt “much more comfortable” asking the LHC questions compared to the dietitian or exercise specialist, while 60% (51) reported feeling equally as comfortable. 

Conclusion: Participants in an mDPP were satisfied with the use of LHC and found them to play an important role in the program. Using LHC in primary prevention is feasible and valuable to participants.