Evaluating the COACH Program for African Americans with Type 2 Diabetes

Purpose: To evaluate changes in knowledge, concerning diet and fasting blood sugars, of African American participants in a six-week COACH program.
Background: An epidemic of Type 2 Diabetes, primarily affecting minorities is emerging. This alarming and disheartening statistics must be addressed (CDC, 2011). The principle objective of this proposal was to evaluate the results of implementing the COACH program to increase knowledge regarding diet, and to improve glycemic control among African American adults.
Study Design: A pre-experimental design evaluated knowledge change and fasting blood sugars related to the COACH program. The sample size included up to 10 African Americans with Type 2 Diabetes, age 21 or older.
Methods: An 11 item questionnaire and a pre-and post-fasting blood sugar values log was completed by all participants prior to starting the program and after completion of the six week COACH program. Statistical analysis consisted of the T-test (McNemar Chi-square test for nominal data) using the pre-and post-sets of scores for the same group.