Purpose
To facilitate the prevention of Type 2 Diabetes among Punjabi- and Chinese-speaking individuals by peer-led online education and support groups for three regions of BC: Vancouver Island, Northern BC, and Lower Mainland.
Background
The two largest minority groups in British Columbia are Chinese (40%) and South Asian (26%) communities. A significant number of individuals in these communities have diabetes and the prevalence is rising. The Peer-to-Peer Pilot Project aims to build and evaluate a peer-to-peer virtual support network for Chinese- and Punjabi-speaking individuals, with an emphasis on engaging those living in rural or remote areas of BC. Specifically, this project aims to test whether and how the creation of a peer-led online support network can encourage greater patient activation for reducing diabetes risk among those individuals living in three regions: Vancouver Island, Northern BC, and Lower Mainland.
Two peer leaders (one Chinese-speaking and one Punjabi-speaking) were trained in prevention of diabetes, peer group leadership, and lifestyle coaching. The peer leaders each hosted the Peer-to-Peer program with Chinese-speaking and Punjabi–speaking individuals over Facebook. The program consisted of discussion forums, online videos, and other material. The curriculum was culturally adapted for each community, where appropriate.
Partners/Collaborators
Various community members and partners including nurse educators, exercise physiologist, and nutritionists.
Funder
Public Health Agency of Canada
Investigators
Principal Investigator: Dr. Kendall Ho
Co-Investigator: Dr. Helen Novak Lauscher
Project Update
We have tested the Peer-to-Peer program with a group of Chinese and South Asian participants and are analyzing the feedback.
You can now find both versions of the curriculum online. We welcome your ideas on how to make it more culturally relevant to the Chinese and South Asian communities.