This study aimed to identify facilitators and barriers to the uptake of a community-based diabetes prevention program (DPP) from the perspectives of decliners with prediabetes in a multi-ethnic Asian community.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 individuals with prediabetes who declined participation in a large community-based diabetes prevention program in Singapore. Thematic analysis was undertaken to identify themes, which were subsequently mapped onto the Capacity-Opportunity-Motivation and Behavior model (COM-B).
We identified 16 key themes under three COM-B domains. Health status at the time of invitation, perceived ability of self-management, understanding of prediabetes condition and/or the program intention (
Identifying facilitators and barriers embedded in the COM-B will assist systematic program modifications to increase participation of individuals with prediabetes. How information about modifiable risk factors is communicated by physicians at the point of diagnosis and program introduction is key to participation. Co-locating programs with family activity, development of mHealth, readiness assessment, and tailored explanation of program purpose may increase participation. These findings will be used to guide future national interventions in the community to ensure successful implementation.