Peer leader recruitment and challenges in training for effective diabetes self-management
T2D, Diabetes
EVENTS, RECRUITMENT, DIABETES
In April 2017, we identified potential PLs in Conkal by requesting recommendations from local healthcare providers (HCP) based on the perceived leadership skills of individuals in the community. Initially, we encountered resistance and a lack of referrals from HCP. Consequently, we adopted an open-call strategy for PLs recruitment. Utilizing the community’s traditional method of disseminating news and events, we invited PL candidates through a vehicle equipped with loudspeakers. Fifteen individuals were identified as potential PLs. Following the guidelines outlined in the PL Training Manual (Culturally-sensitive training involves PLs actively providing feedback on the training agenda alongside Diabetes Educators. This culturally-sensitive approach aimed to adapt the training program to a bilingual format, specifically incorporating colloquial Maya and Spanish languages. This approach acknowledges and includes the sociocultural and economic contexts to ensure a better representation of the local community and family situations surrounding their clinical condition.After completing the 3-month PL training program in Conkal, 11 PLs were ultimately included in our study. Among them, 10 PLs were persons living with T2D, and one PL had a spouse with T2D.