Process Evaluation of the Early Implementation Stages of theNational Diabetes Prevention Program through Kentucky Cooperative Extension: Perceptions of Adopters and Potential Adopters

Abstract

With the growing demand for lifestyle change programs that prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes onset, community organizations with broad reach should be explored for national dissemination of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP). This study evaluates the early implementation of the NDPP through Cooperative Extension in four Kentucky counties and explores the feasibility of scaling up the program to additional counties. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 12 Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Agents – four who were participating in the pilot (adopters) and eight who had no experience with the NDPP (potential adopters). Five overarching themes emerged: satisfaction with and desire for the NDPP; implementation barriers (recruitment challenges and Agent comfortability issues); needed supports; roles of community partners (potential duplication of efforts); and dynamics of community relationships and trust. While there was agreement that Cooperative Extension was an appropriate platform for dissemination, notable barriers must be overcome. This study provides important information for Cooperative Extension Services across the country that are implementing or considering implementing the NDPP; specifically, that this program may need a more tailored and controlled rollout compared to traditional Extension programming