Engagement of coMmunity Through Participatory Learning and Action for cOntrol and preVEntion of Type II Diabetes and Its Risk Factors [EMPOWER-D]

This project aims to adapt, implement, and evaluate Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) based intervention in rural areas of KPK, Pakistan which includes Peshawar and Swabi for TIIDM prevention and control. The pivotal components of this approach include adapting, implementing, and evaluating the PLA-based intervention for the prevention and control of Type II diabetes. These components will be tailored to meet the specific needs of two different settings in Peshawar and Swabi, Pakistan. Type II Diabetes Mellitus (TIIDM) is considered the fastest-growing health emergency, affecting 537 million adults worldwide. Global projections for the year 2045 suggest that a 12.2% rise in TIIDM is anticipated with an additional 11.4% rise for intermediate hyperglycemia (IHG) \[1\]. Around 80% of people with TIIDM reside in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), exhausting the already burdened healthcare system \[2\]. The intervention "Community groups or mobile phone messaging to prevent and control type 2 diabetes and intermediate hyperglycemia in Bangladesh (DMagic)" has been tested and found effective in the rural context of Bangladesh \[1-3\]. A full trial will be conducted in the rural areas of Peshawar and Swabi, Pakistan. It is anticipated that with the use of evidence-based approaches, best practices, and meaningful community participation, PLA is expected to enhance social and behavioural determinants of health and subsequent outcomes. This will further pave the way for the control of other NCDs through a similar focused approach.

The PLA approach has been systematized into a community approach where groups meet together and follow a cycle of activities. This cycle involves problem identification, collaborative strategy planning, implementation, and participatory evaluation. To address community health issues, various strategies including photo voice, group discussions, and role-play have been widely utilized. By leveraging their life experiences, individuals are encouraged to actively participate in these activities, empowering them to identify problems and utilize their skills to develop effective solutions. Scientific evidence has demonstrated PLA to be a cost-effective technique to increase maternal and neonatal survival in low-resource settings like India and Nepal. Moreover, it increased awareness about birth preparedness, improved newborn care practices, and enhanced male participation in maternal and newborn health. This study will utilize a community group-based PLA approach to tackle TIIDM (adapted from D-Magic Bangladesh). A cluster randomized controlled trial will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of PLA in addressing TIIDM and pre-diabetes in rural areas of Peshawar and Swabi, Pakistan. The PLA approach is instrumental in improving health outcomes and services by fostering collaborative community efforts and empowering the community. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of unity, inclusivity, and shared responsibility, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes and the overall well-being of the community. However, despite its significant impact PLA has not been adapted or tested in settings elsewhere for the prevention and control of TIIDM. Objective: 1. To culturally adapt PLA-based intervention (DMagic) for primary prevention and control of TIIDM in rural communities of Pakistan. 2. To assess the effectiveness of culturally adapted PLA-based intervention (adapted from D-Magic trial Bangladesh) on the two-year cumulative incidence of TIIDM in high-risk individuals and the prevalence of IHG and TIIDM in rural settings. 3. To determine the cost-effectiveness of the adapted DMagic intervention in rural settings of Pakistan.