What do we know about recruitment and retention in diabetes prevention programs? An Australian perspective

© 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. All rights reserved. Lifestyle interventions are effective in preventing type 2 diabetes in high-risk participants. Policy makers need efficient and cost-effective strategies to screen and recruit high-risk participants into appropriate programs. Moreover, since there is a clear dose-response relationship between lifestyle modification program components and outcomes it is important to understand what factors increase adherence. Various strategies in a range of settings have been attempted, to capture high-risk people. Two Australian diabetes prevention programs were compared to identify the critical factors in recruitment and retention. A population health approach with a comprehensive social marketing strategy, telephone support, in a range of settings, particularly with program provider led strategies, holds great promise. Most programs continue be under represented with males, medically underserved and those who are socially disadvantaged. Program retention remains a challenge. Sustained multi-setting, community-wide, population health approaches targeting high-risk participants who are less likely to engage with and complete programs should be explored further