Addressing diabetes disparities requires a holistic approach that recognizes the challenges faced by marginalized populations in integrating diabetes self-management education (DSME) into their daily lives. Unmet social needs such as food insecurity, unstable housing, and utility instability impact diabetes self-management behaviors and health outcomes. The purpose of this study is to understand the perspectives of community-based organizations (CBOs) that provide DSME to marginalized populations to identify social needs of their patients and approaches taken to address social needs. Semi-structured 1-on-1 interviews were conducted with (n=15) DSME facilitators and leadership from urban and rural CBOs. Using a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) framework, thematic analysis was performed to explore the feasibility of implementing a social needs intervention alongside DSME. Participants acknowledged the impact of social needs on their clients' self-management behaviors and highlighted the urgent need for intervention. Results revealed that the existing organizational structure and DSME programs provide flexibility for implementing a social needs intervention, but the CBOs expressed uncertainty about where to begin. Opportunities that could transform weaknesses into strengths included leveraging existing partnerships and establishing new ones to foster a greater sense of community within the CBOs to benefit their clients. Also, partnering with an expert to develop a concise standardized process and to train staff to screen and address social needs to strengthen CBO's rapport with their clients for personalized goal-setting. Needed is a focus on evaluating the effectiveness of integrating a social needs intervention into CBO services to improve DSM. This research aims to enhance the support provided to marginalized populations and address the multifaceted challenges they face in managing their diabetes.
N. Verdecias: None.
