CDC develops culturally relevant materials for diabetes prevention

Challenge

The CDC identified a need to address cultural competence in diabetes prevention and management materials, particularly for diverse communities affected by type 2 diabetes. Clear communication is a priority for CDC, and developing resources grounded in the culture and language of communities is essential to supporting health literacy.

Additionally, CDC identified as a key challenge that different priority populations had different cultural understandings of what diabetes is as well as how to prevent and manage it.

Solution

ICF Next’s work is based on CDC’s existing type 2 diabetes prevention and management resources. We’re adapting and updating current resources, in addition to providing recommendations for future resources tailored to priority audiences who are disproportionately affected by diabetes, including American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN), Hispanic or Latino, and Asian American populations.

We’re also working with a number of subject matter experts, lifestyle coaches, and the multicultural communications team at ICF to make sure that the adaptations are aligned and resonate with the corresponding priority audience. These expert panels also consider unique cultural considerations, which show up in different ways for each community. For example, the Asian American expert panel will explore how the Asian American population (particularly of Chinese and Vietnamese descent) think about Western medicine versus traditional or Eastern medicine.

Where we are now

One of the major accomplishments of this work has been adapting the PreventT2 curriculum and New Beginnings guide for AI/AN communities. In order to ensure that the content was accurate, respectful, and culturally responsive, we convened an expert panel of AI/AN diabetes advocates to review the existing materials and provide feedback on how to make it more appropriate and engaging for AI/AN audiences. We also collaborated with Native-owned vendors to develop and design the adapted materials.

The newly adapted AI/AN PreventT2 curriculum is in the final stages of field testing with lifestyle coaches and program participants representing various AI/AN communities. Our team will incorporate feedback from participants before finalizing the materials.

ICF Next is also updating a bilingual Spanish/English language graphic novel about preventing or delaying type 2 diabetes among Latina women at risk and their families. Its main character, Lourdes, thinks about how her family and friends can support her as she works to change some of her behaviors, like making healthy food choices and increasing physical activity.