Diabetes body project eating disorder prevention program—Descriptive content analysis of participant and facilitator feedback in a multinational randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Aims

To examine and describe feedback after participation in a novel eating disorder prevention program for young women with type 1 diabetes (Diabetes Body Project) in a multinational randomised controlled trial.

Methods

Written feedback from participants (N = 109) and facilitators (N = 19) at four sites (Europe and US) was analysed using descriptive, manifest content analysis. Open-ended questions included motivation for participation, most/less valuable aspects of the program and suggestions for improvement.

Results

“Community” was the most important motivator and most valued aspect, reported by one-third of participants. When asked about less valued aspects of the program, participants and facilitators most frequently reported “none/not sure/everything was valuable” and “nothing” respectively. Suggestions to improve the program common for participants and facilitators were “more creative exercises”, specific for participants after “none” was “limit homework/obligations” and specific for facilitators was “more flexibility to move away from the script”. The three most frequently perceived barriers for participation reported by participants and facilitators were “requiring personal vulnerability”, “time and energy constraints” and the “group setting”.

Conclusions

Participants and facilitators expressed overall high satisfaction with the program, specifically the value of T1D community. Additionally, they suggested incorporating more creative exercises. Future research should aim at widespread implementation and addressing barriers to participation.