Performing Department
Cooperative Extension
Non Technical Summary
According to 2008 BRFSS statistics the prevalence rate of diabetes in West Virginia was 11.4. While it varies slightly from year to year WV generally ranks first or second in the nation in the prevalence of diabetes and it is considered one of the leading causes of death for WV adults. Additionally 2007 data from the CDC showed that in WV only 77percent of those with diabetes had their A1c checked more than twice in one year, 85prcent of the population was considered overweight or obese, 40percent were physically inactive, 68percent had hypertension and 63percent had high cholesterol. An estimated 10.7 percent of the African American population in WV reported having diabetes although the African American population represents 3.3 percent of the population. It it is clear that diabetes presents an overwhelming problem for the residents of WV. The cost for individuals and families along with state and national health care costs are reaching epidemic levels. WVU Extension Service has the unique ability to offer diabetes education programs in every county of the state due to the structure of the Extension Service. This arrangement allows programs to be offered in local communities by local members of the community who are known and trusted. WVU Extension Service has offered the Dining with Diabetes program for over nine years. We have shown significant results in a number of areas, including participant knowledge and behavioral changes; clinical understanding of diabetes; proper nutrition and cooking techniques for healthier eating; and improvement in A1c and blood pressure readings. Being able to cover the clinical aspects of diabetes and self-management tools by incorporating the "On the Road to Living Well with Diabetes" program has allowed us to expand our educational program using a "hands-on" teaching technique. This program offers participants meaningful information on the self-care management of their disease and gives them a reference point from which they can monitor their progress. It provides us with an additional method of determining our level of success and determining where we made need to make changes to assure greater success. WV University Extension Service historically has provided education to the state's residents based upon local community needs. With the high prevalence of diabetes, high co-morbidity rates and diabetes consequences, ways to get on the road to living well with diabetes becomes a high priority gaining a high level of community interest and concern. The "On the Road" component gives us additional means by which we can make a difference in individual lives and perhaps reduce the high costs of diabetes in WV. With over nine years of successful diabetes education programming WV is well qualified to carry out this project.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
Goals/Objectives/Expected Outputs Diabetes Detection and Prevention in West Virginia will provide the Dining with Diabetes program, developed by West Virginia University Extension Service, and the On the Road to Living Well with Diabetes program developed by the Joslin Diabetes Center, as a joint program to individuals with diabetes and their family members in West Virginia. This program offers participants information on the nutritional aspect of diabetes, the importance of exercise and the opportunity to increase their level of self-management and self-efficacy skills. The overall goal of this project is to improve the health of persons with diabetes and their families in West Virginia. The primary focus is on individuals with diabetes who do not have access to diabetes education health care, or who are accessing health care, but not in a knowledgeable, optimal manner. Specific objectives and expected outcomes include: 1.Increase awareness of diabetes and diabetes self-management This objective will be evaluated by the number of Dining with Diabetes/On the Road to Living Well in West Virginia classes offered throughout West Virginia. Data, including demographics, pre and post questionnaires covering knowledge and behavior change, and clinical measures of blood pressure and A1c readings will be collected from all participants. 2.Increase access to diabetes services This objective will be evaluated by demonstration of participants increased knowledge of available community services and familiarity of services needed. Participants will also demonstrate knowledge of understanding the roles of the various health care providers and how to access their services. 3.Identify and build relationships with community partners This objective will be evaluated by the number and variety of health care partners who work with the Dining with Diabetes/On the Road to Living Well in West Virginia program, the number of health care partners who participate in the program,the number who attend the yearly training sessions, and their evaluation of both the program and the training sessions. West Virginia University will work closely with the Joslin Diabetes Center in determining the clinical protocols to be used. Data analysis is being done both by West Virginia University Extension Service staff and staff at the Joslin Diabetes Center. Program results will be presented on a state-wide basis to the USDA, to the Joslin Diabetes Center, and at appropriate national meetings.
Project Methods
As a means of increasing the participants awareness of diabetes, diabetes self-management and self-efficacy the following methods will be utalized. Community based educational programs that focus on the importance of medical tests required for self-management, self-efficacy and proper nutrition education will be provided throughout WV. The "On the Road" curriculum, including clinical testing of A1c and blood pressure will be covered at the first class with testing repeated at the three month follow-up. WV Extension Service will partner with local healthcare partners to present the "On the Road" program as a component of the Dining with Diabetes program. This will provide participants understand what tests are necessary,how frequently they should be preformed and how to interpret results. Participants will gain skills in talking with their doctors and developing good self-management behaviors. Included in the questionnaires that participants complete are questions that indicate knowledge and understanding of diabetes self-management. Training in the use of "On the Road" curriculum has been provided to WV Extension Educators and healthcare partners by Joslin Diabetes Center. To increase participants knowledge and access to diabetes services program participants are provided with resources for on-going health care. Participants will have the opportunity to take results of the tests to their primary care provider. With increased skills in self-management and self-efficacy participants will have gained an increased level of comfort in taking to their provider through knowing their numbers. To identify and build relationships with community partners, educational programs that provide continuing education opportunities are held for local healthcare partners. CDEs, RDs, RNs, Pharmacists, and other partners will be recruited to participate in the Dining with Diabetes/On the Road program, to assist with program education.Extension Educators in each county will identify diabetes partners and will work in a collaborative manner with other agencies and healthcare providers. They will also partner with local agencies,organizations, and area businesses for in-kind services. These partnerships will offer program participants resources and contact with providers so they can access care that they may not be receiving. It will also give the healthcare partners a better indication of the needs that are present in their community.WVU Extension Service will hold an annual in-service with other educational opportunities for healthcare partners.Data will be analyzed using SPSS software.Data will be entered and analyzed by the WVU Extension Service and Joslin Diabetes Center. Overall, the implementation of this program will lead to a healthier and more productive community, decreased health care costs and increased productivity.Through successful program delivery, and evaluation,"On the Road" can fill vital community needs and continue for many years to come to positively affect the health and well-being of the people of WV.