Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 1(3), pp. 65 - 71
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2013.010304
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Closing the Gap: An Evaluation of Community-Based Projects to Reduce Diabetes Disparities among Minority and Underrepresented Groups

Saleh M.M. Rahman^1,*, Selina Rahman², Helen Vilme³, Monica Hayes^4
1 Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University, and, College of Medicine, Florida State University, 209-A FSH Science & Research Center, Tallahassee, FL 32307, United States
² TMH and FSU College of Medicine Internal Medicine Residency Program, Tallahassee, FL 32308, United States
³ Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, United States
⁴ Office of Minority Health, Florida Department of Health, Tallahassee, FL 3230, United States

ABSTRACT

Diabetes poses severe disease and economic burden in the United States of America as well as in Florida State. The study aimed at evaluating eight community-based diabetes disparities projects funded by FDOH ‘Closing the Gap’ initiatives. This three-phase evaluation included evaluability assessment, process, immediate outcome and impact evaluation using qualitative assessment, case study approach, survey, document analysis, and face-to-face interviews. In 2006-2007, 2007-2008, and 2008-2009 total 3,764; 3,280; 1,691 individuals participated in the programs respectively. In 2006-07 to 2007-08, the proportion of participants referred for the wellness program decreased 8.64%, and participants enrolled in the wellness program decreased 3.4%. On the other hand, DSME and wellness program referrals, enrolment, and completions increased significantly from the 2007-08 to 2008-09 program year (12.6+8.64=21%, 3.4+36.1=39.5%, and 31.8-2.2=29.6%, respectively). The largest increase happened in the DSME with a change of (51.2-8.7= 42.5%). From the 2006-2007 to 2007-2008 funding year, with the largest increase in pre and post-test score, HbA1c, eye-exam etc. participation and in 2008-2009 participation of females in the diabetes program increased significantly. Overall, the diabetes program successfully recruited minority populations and had immediate positive outcomes and impact on minorities, hard-to-reach populations, and women which are good indicators of the program’s success.

KEYWORDS
Diabetes, Disparities, Underserved, Community-Based Program Evaluation, Closing the Gap

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Saleh M.M. Rahman , Selina Rahman , Helen Vilme , Monica Hayes , "Closing the Gap: An Evaluation of Community-Based Projects to Reduce Diabetes Disparities among Minority and Underrepresented Groups," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 1, No. 3, pp. 65 - 71, 2013. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2013.010304.

(b). APA Format:
Saleh M.M. Rahman , Selina Rahman , Helen Vilme , Monica Hayes (2013). Closing the Gap: An Evaluation of Community-Based Projects to Reduce Diabetes Disparities among Minority and Underrepresented Groups. Universal Journal of Public Health, 1(3), 65 - 71. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2013.010304.