Promoting sustained diabetes management: Identifying challenges and opportunities in developing an alumni peer support component of the YMCA Diabetes Control Program

Abstract

Objective: To explore the perspectives of coaches and participant alumni of the YMCA Diabetes Control Program (DCP) to inform the development of a peer support component of the DCP for sustained diabetes self-management.

Methods: Coaches (n = 2) and alumni (n = 38) participated in semi-structured interviews and focus groups regarding their experiences with the DCP and anticipated challenges and strengths of incorporating alumni peer support into the program. Transcripts were analyzed using content analysis to identify topics related to peer support.

Results: Six topics emerged related to strengths and weaknesses of the coach and peer roles, including how those roles influenced motivation and accountability in self-management. Both roles provide encouragement for sustained behavior change, particularly in the face of setbacks. Interest in becoming an alumni peer supporter was strongly related to a sense of reciprocity and potential for mutual benefit, while concerns centered on unclear expectations and a desire for formal training.

Conclusion: Program alumni saw value in continued formal contact not only with their coaches, but with fellow peers, as part of their sustained diabetes self-management and anticipated reciprocal benefits.

Practice implications: Findings illustrate opportunities for, and the value of, incorporating alumni peer support into hierarchical coach-led diabetes self-management programs.

Keywords: Community-engaged programs; Diabetes; Peer support; Self-management.