Community participatory learning to prevent and control type 2 diabetes in rural Kabul
Engagement of coMmunity Through Participatory Learning and Action for cOntrol and preVEntion of Type II Diabetes and Its Risk Factors [EMPOWER-D-Afg]: Feasibility Trial in Rural Kabul-Afghanistan
This project will try a community-led participatory learning and action program to prevent and control type 2 diabetes among adults living in rural Kabul.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | HealthNet Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kabul, Kabul) |
| Trial ID | NCT07350694 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The project adapts a Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) intervention proven in Bangladesh to the sociocultural and health system context of rural Kabul. Clusters in Kabul are randomized and adult community members will be invited to attend regular PLA group meetings led by local facilitators, with baseline and endline biomedical assessments. The intervention targets behaviors and community solutions to prevent progression from intermediate hyperglycaemia and to improve diabetes control, with outcomes compared between intervention and control clusters. Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary changes in glycaemic measures and related risk factors will be measured.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults living in the selected rural clusters of Kabul who are aged 20 years or older (and aged 30+ for baseline and endline assessments) who can attend meetings and give consent are eligible.
Not a fit: People under the age cutoffs, those unable or unwilling to attend regular meetings or give consent, or those with health conditions that prevent active participation are unlikely to benefit from the intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could lower new cases of type 2 diabetes and improve glucose control in participating communities by changing behaviors and strengthening local support.
How similar studies have performed: A similar PLA intervention (the DMagic trial) showed effectiveness in rural Bangladesh, but PLA approaches have not previously been tested in rural Afghan communities.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * For intervention phase: Individuals aged 20 years and above. For baseline and endline assessments (before and after the intervention): Individuals aged 30 years and above. * Participants residing in the randomized clusters of Kabul, Afghanistan Individuals willing to participate in the study and provide consent. * All individuals with normoglycemia, intermediate hyperglycaemia, and diabetes are encouraged to participate. * Participants who can attend the scheduled meetings and interventions as per the study protocol. Exclusion Criteria: * For Intervention phase: Individuals below the age of 20 years. For baseline and endline assessments (before and after the intervention): individuals below the age of 30 years. * Individuals unwilling to provide consent for participation. * Participants with reported health conditions that may hinder their active involvement in the study. * Individuals with non-compliance with research protocols
Where this trial is running
Kabul, Kabul
- HealthNet TPO, Afghanistan — Kabul, Kabul, Afghanistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Abdul Rahman Shahab, MPH — Deputy Country Director, HealthNet TPO, Afghanistan
- Study coordinator: Abdul Rahman Shahab, MPH
- Email: abdul.shahab@hntpo.org
- Phone: +93786611325
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.