Introduction & Objective: Deaf Diabetes Can Together (DDCT) is a 10-week intervention committed to providing accessible diabetes education for the deaf and hard of hearing community, using multiple modes of culturally-appropriate communication, such as American Sign Language (ASL), closed captioning, and graphics. The purpose of this study was to pilot test DDCT.
Methods: Eight participants, including those with diabetes (Type 1 or 2) and a care partner, were interviewed to gather feedback on their experience with DCCT. They received DDCT virtually through Zoom and a learning platform (i.e., Canvas). After receiving the 10-week intervention, a semi-structured interview guide was used to explore participant experiences with DCCT. Data were qualitatively coded, line-by-line, using principles of qualitative thematic analysis.
Results: Feedback was overwhelmingly positive and all participants would recommend DDCT to others. Four key themes emerged regarding DDCT were: 1) helpful in managing diabetes by increasing motivation and providing education, practical tips to apply in their daily lives, and community support; 2) highly accessible for deaf individuals due to direct communication, data collection, and resources in ASL; 3) supportive of deaf culture by being deaf-led with an expert clinician fluent in ASL and the ability to learn from deaf peers living with diabetes; and 4) desire for additional content (e.g., lengthening DCCT beyond 10 weeks to cover additional topics like cultural food, stress management, and kidney health) and opportunities for more individualized education.
Conclusion: This is the first deaf-led and group-based diabetes education intervention and pilot results indicate high acceptability and satisfaction in persons with DHH and diabetes and their care partner. This pilot study shows the proof of concept, supporting future clinical trial to test effectiveness and feasibility of the intervention in a diverse community and clinical settings.
K.A. Mirus: None. N.A. Allen: Research Support; Dexcom, Inc. Consultant; Diathrive Health. S. Lee: Research Support; Olera, Clairvoyant Network, Inc. M.L. Litchman: Research Support; American Diabetes Association, Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists, Dexcom, Inc. Other Relationship; Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists. Research Support; National Institutes of Health.
This work was funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation through grant GBMF9048.
