Background:
The Bedouin community in the Negev faces high rates of type 2 diabetes, low treatment adherence, and increased disease complications. Transition to urban living and changing dietary patterns have exacerbated these issues. Current interventions often overlook the potential of culturally tailored approaches leveraging kinship ties and community resources. This study seeks to address these gaps by examining the impact of a family-centered intervention program.
Objectives:
Primary: Assess the effect of community intervention on Mediterranean diet adherence.
Secondary: Evaluate changes in fasting glucose, HbA1c, lipid profiles, BMI, physical activity, and quality of life.
Methodology:
Study Design: Controlled community intervention trial with two groups (intervention and control).
Participants: 170 Bedouin adults diagnosed with overweight, obesity, metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes.
Intervention: 10 sessions over 12 months focusing on nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral changes, tailored to cultural norms.
Control: Routine care without added intervention. Outcome Measures: Lab tests (HbA1c, lipid profiles), anthropometric measures, Mediterranean diet adherence, physical activity, quality of life, and social belonging.
Recruitment and Data Collection:
Participants will be recruited via Clalit clinics in Rahat, with the support of local community leaders. Data will be collected through medical records, questionnaires, and physical assessments at baseline, 6, and 12 months.
Data Analysis:
Statistical analysis will be performed using SAS/SPSS, employing ANOVA, Chi-square tests, and regression models for outcome prediction.
Ethical Considerations:
Participants' privacy will be ensured through coded data storage. The study will comply with Helsinki guidelines, and participants can withdraw at any time.
Conclusion:
This study aims to provide culturally tailored interventions to improve health outcomes in the Bedouin community, potentially serving as a model for similar minority groups globally.
Bedouin men and women aged 18 and above
Diagnosed with overweight, obesity, metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes
Consent to participate in the study
Individuals with other chronic diseases that might interfere with the study
Pregnant or lactating women
Individuals unable to provide informed consent
Parallel
Healthy lifestyle nutrition, culture and physical activity workshops
BehavioralThe intervention will include monthly sessions in the community setting of physical activity. In addition, monthly nutrition and culture sessions will be held.
Usual care
Other interventionUsual care patients receive in their primary health care
To examine the effect of the intervention on the Mediterranean diet score among patients with obesity, metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes over a period of up to one year from their entry into the study
Examine changes in Mediterranean score using the Mediterranean diet questionnaire (I-MEDAS), the score ranges from 0-17, with a higher value indicating better adherence to the Mediterranean diet pattern.
Fasting blood sugar levels (FPG)
Level of fasting glucose
Levels of glycosylated hemoglobin levels (HBA1c)
Level of HBA1C
Blood lipid profile (LIPID PROFILE)
Outcomes of a full lipid profile
Anthropometric measures (weight)
Weight will be measured in kilograms.
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Ariel University
Lead sponsor
Clalit Health Services
Collaborator
