Translation of the diabetes prevention program lifestyle intervention for promoting postpartum weight loss among low-income women

Milagros C. Rosal, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Stephenie C. Lemon, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Oanh H. T. Nguyen, Family Health Center of Worcester
Nelly E. Driscoll, Family Health Center of Worcester
Lynn DiTaranto, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Abstract

The Women Infants and Children (WIC) program is a promising venue in which to implement weight loss interventions for low-income postpartum women. The goals of this study were to describe formative steps to translate the DPP lifestyle intervention to be delivered to diverse low-income postpartum women who are served by the WIC program, and to present the results of a pilot trial of the intervention. The steps of intervention translation involved were the following: (1) building partnerships, (2) understanding the target setting, (3) understanding the target population, (4) re-designing the intervention, and (5) refining the intervention. The pilot trial was a single group pre/post test comparison among 27 overweight/obese postpartum WIC clients. The intervention resulted in an average weight loss of 4.6 lb at a 4-month follow-up (p = 0.004). A dose–response association between intervention attendance and weight loss was observed. This translation of the DPP for diverse low-income postpartum women has potential for widespread implementation.