Development and Evaluation of a Culturally Sensitive Structured Diabetes Self-Management Program for People With Type 2 Diabetes Residing in Qatar

This PhD research project aims to develop and evaluate a culturally sensitive Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) program, the PARADIGM-Q, specifically tailored for people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) residing in Qatar. With T2DM reaching epidemic levels globally and particulary among Qatar's population(1), there is an urgent need for effective DSME programs that are tailored to the country's needs. Current DSME programs, such as DESMOND-Qatar, have many limitations, including the fact that it is only available in two places, limiting access to many people who could benefit from diabetes education. Furthermore, the certification and recertification of DESMOND educators are rather costly, presenting financial barriers to the scaling up of this model; it is also limited in its long-term effectiveness(2), increasing the need for a sustainable and culturally appropriate solution to enable people with diabetes to self- manage their condition effectively. In this project, I will employ the locally developed PARADIGM model(3) framework to structure the new DSME interventions across two phases. In the initial phase, the focus is on developing a practical working curriculum using this model. This curriculum, named the PARADIGM-Q program, will incorporate the Case-Based Learning (CBL)(4) approach as its teaching delivery method. A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of relevant literature related to the optimal characteristics and duration of the program, followed by the development and piloting of the PARADIGM-Q curriculum. The curriculum will be refined through feedback obtained. The second phase involves evaluating the program's effectiveness through a Quasi-Experimental study, comparing it with Qatar's existing Diabetes Education Self-Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed (DESMOND) program. The development of our local novel (PARADIGM-Q) will promote long-term effectiveness and patient adherence by combining the case-based Learning (CBL) approach with PARADIGM model. In addition, it will also emerge as a cost-effective alternative by establishing a central hub for training trainers within the Qatar health system, encompassing PHCC, HMC, Military Health Services, and private sectors. The primary research question is whether a culturally sensitive, case-based DSME program (PARADIGM-Q) can improve clinical and behavioral outcomes more effectively than existing models. This project has the potential to set a new standard for diabetes education in Qatar and the broader Gulf region, offering a scalable, sustainable intervention that aligns with local cultural practices and healthcare needs.

PROJECT STRUCTURE AND RESEARCH APPROACH

OBJECTIVES AND SIGNIFICANCE

Hypothesis:

The primary hypothesis is that implementing a culturally sensitive, case-based and attributes-based diabetes self-management education program (PARADIGM-Q) will significantly improve clinical outcomes, self-management behaviors, and quality of life for people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) when compared to the current DESMOND program.

Study Aim:

To Develop a culturally sensitive and well-structured Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) Program tailored specifically for individuals with Type 2 Diabetes residing in Qatar. This program will be developed based on the PARADIGM (Problem And attRibutes-bAsed DIabetes self-manaGeMent) model(3).

Objectives

1. To Create the curriculum for a culturally sensitive DSME program using Case-Based Learning (CBL) methodology, aligned with the PARADIGM model's core attributes, and tailored to Qatar's cultural variations.
2. Pilot study to validate a newly established DSME curriculum for feasibility, comprehensibility, relevance, and cultural sensitivity among diabetes educators and T2DM patients.
3. Effectiveness study to determine the impact of the PARADIGM-Q program on clinical outcomes, self-management behaviors, and quality of life compared to the DESMOND program using a robust quasi-experimental design.

METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES

Type and classification of study:

Several research designs will be used for this study.

Phase One:

1. Systematic Review Objective: To examine the durability of standard diabetes self-management education program on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels over time, and to identify optimal DSME characteristics for glycemic control, forming the basis for the PARADIGM-Q curriculum. Methodology: Conduct a rigorous systematic review and dose response meta-analysis of data from existing studies of conventional DSME programs to gather evidence to determine the optimal duration of effect on glycemic control. Expected Outcome: Synthesize findings to inform on the current baseline before we develop and test our new culturally sensitive DSME program. Our study results will then be compared to results from the evidence synthesis on the durability of current programs on glycemic control.
2. Curriculum Formulation and Pilot Study Objective: Formulate a core-attributes, problem-based curriculum based on the PARADIGM model, And to collect feedback for refining the curriculum and ensuring it meets the educational and cultural needs of the Qatari population. Methodology Design:

• A mixed methods study design will be used and will involve diabetes educators and participants with T2DM in a pilot study to validate the PARADIGM-Q curriculum.
• Utilize focus group, pre-post assessments and semi-structured interviews with participants diagnosed with T2DM and diabetes educators to gather feedback on the curriculum's comprehensibility, relevance, and cultural sensitivity. Subsequently, refine curriculum components based on the insights obtained. Expected Outcome: A validated and culturally sensitive DSME program curriculum ready for implementation which will be called the PARADIGM-Q program. Sampling:
• Technique: Non-probability quota sampling
• Participants: 20 adults with Type 2 diabetes, divided by gender and language proficiency:
• Male Arabic speakers
• Female Arabic speakers
• Male English speakers
• Female English speakers This is especially relevant as the newly developed (PARADIGM-Q) program aims to address the needs of the multiethnic population residing in Qatar, encompassing individuals proficient in both Arabic and English languages. Curriculum Contents: PARADIGM-Q Program Structure:
• Duration: The PARADIGM-Q program consists of three weekly sessions, each lasting three hours, designed to support effective diabetes management by integrating it into daily life routines.
• Session Content:
• Week 1: Problem Solving
• Week 2: Decision Making and Taking Action.
• Week 3: Resource Utilization, and Patient-Provider Relationships Educational Approach:
• Case-Based Learning (CBL): Each session begins with a case scenario to stimulate discussion, problem-solving, and skills application.
• Interactive Discussions: Each session closes with actionable strategies for taking learned skills back into your daily self-care routine.
• Hands-on Demonstrations: The Facilitator (diabetes educators) aid by using demonstration tools to bridge these gaps. Data Collection and Analysis Quantitative Measures:
• Pre- and Post-Program Assessments: Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire (DKQ), Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) Scale, Ambulatory Glucose Profile (AGP) using a glucose sensor for two weeks pre and post the month of the intervention, and physical activity (monitored by smartwatches). Qualitative Measures:
• Focus Groups: Conducted with T2D participants post-program about the curriculum's relevance, cultural sensitivity, and effectiveness of the educational approach.
• Semi-Structured Interviews: Facilitators and participants will provide insights on session dynamics, instructional methods, and cultural appropriateness. Data Analysis:
• Quantitative data will be analyzed for knowledge gains, stress reduction (PAID), and glycemic variability.
• Qualitative data will undergo thematic analysis to derive insights into program relevance, effectiveness, and cultural fit. Expected Outcomes
• A validated, culturally adapted DSME program (PARADIGM-Q) ready for large-scale implementation.
• Qualitative and quantitative evidence of curriculum effectiveness and cultural resonance. Phase Two:

1- Controlled before-after Quasi-Experimental study Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of the (PARADIGM-Q) program on various diabetes outcomes among people with T2DM in Qatar.

Expected Outcome: Empirical evidence on the effectiveness of our new culturally sensitive DSME program (PARADIGM-Q) compared to the existing program (DESMOND).