Enrollment strategies, trial initiation, and implementation
T2D, Diabetes, diabetes
RECRUITMENT, DIABETES, RECRUITMENT, DIABETES
After the completion of the PL training period, participant recruitment commenced. Inclusion criteria comprised adults aged 30 or above with a previous diagnosis of T2D. Recruitment methods relied on mobile broadcasts and invitations from HCPs. Ultimately, 163 participants were included. Each participant was randomly assigned to one of two groups in a 1:1 ratio, either a culturally sensitive peer support on top of a diabetes self-management education group (PLG); or a diabetes self-management education group only (EOG; control group).An external researcher conducted random treatment allocation using a simple randomization scheme (EpiInfo 6.04; Harbage 1999). Blinding was maintained for participants, research staff, and care managers until the completion of baseline assessments. Throughout the study, data evaluators remained blinded to group assignments. Due to the nature of the intervention, participants could not be blinded to treatment allocation after baseline. Eighty-one participants were ultimately assigned to PLG and 82 to EOG. PLs were paired with participants based on affinity, sex, age, or participants’ personal preference.The intervention commenced in October 2017. Both groups received access to a structured Diabetes Education program featuring 1-hour sessions once a week, with morning and evening schedule options to accommodate participants’ availability. A certified diabetes educator facilitated each session, which was followed by a 50-minute physical activity session.Only participants assigned to the PLG had additional weekly peer support meetings. PLs coordinate meetings at community premises or personal residences. Each PL oversaw an average of seven participants, and the meetings were conducted independently from study investigators or external observers. PLs could seek guidance and reassurance from the team of diabetes educators at all times if necessary.