BRinging the Diabetes Prevention Program to GEriatric Populations in Spanish (BRIDGE-S): Assessing Acceptability Among Hispanic/Latino Adults in an Older Adult Center.

Abstract

Although the CDC's Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is effective among Hispanic populations, its acceptability among older Hispanic adults, particularly in community-based settings, remains understudied. We assessed the acceptability of DPP content among Spanish-speaking Hispanic/Latino older adults attending an Older Adult Center (OAC) in a large metropolitan area. Between August 2023 and October 2024, participants attended 4 interactive, in-person DPP sessions delivered by native Spanish-speaking physicians. Post-session surveys assessed acceptability, and 2 focus groups explored participant experiences. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, and qualitative data underwent thematic analysis guided by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Sessions averaged 15 participants (77% female; <i>M</i>_age: 71 years), representing diverse Hispanic origins, primarily Ecuadorian, Mexican, and Puerto Rican. Most reported chronic conditions including hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. Participants described the content as culturally appropriate, understandable, and relevant. Focus groups revealed strong receptivity to lifestyle-focused content, a preference for in-person OAC-based delivery over virtual formats, and interest in additional topics such as medication side effects, natural remedies, and social determinants of diet. Community-based, culturally-tailored DPP session delivery at OACs was perceived as acceptable and engaging among older Hispanic/Latino adults, supporting this setting as a promising platform for delivering diabetes prevention education in this population.