Introduction and Objective: Social needs (SNs), such as food insecurity and unstable housing, heighten risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) and limit engagement in prevention efforts. Latino communities experience disproportionately high rates of both SNs and T2D. Although SNs influence diabetes risk and prevention, little is known about how organizations delivering T2D prevention programs address them. This study examined how community organizations integrate SNs into T2D prevention efforts, with particular attention to Latino populations.Methods: Using sequential explanatory mixed methods, we surveyed representatives from Arizona community organizations engaged in diabetes prevention (n=26) about SNs affecting their communities and SN referral practices. A subset (n=13) completed interviews to extend quantitative findings. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, and qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Data were merged by linking themes to survey results and examining code frequencies across organization subgroups (e.g., referral approach).Results: Healthcare access/insurance was identified as the top SN impacting communities, and SN referrals were more often made to external entities (46.7%) versus internally (13%). Qualitative findings emphasized trust and behavioral cues (e.g., missed classes, food logs) to prompt SN discussions with clients. Merged data revealed that organizations using referral resource lists (n=7) demonstrated deeper understanding of facilitators and barriers to resource uptake than those without lists (n=6). Latino communities were described as facing added barriers to resources, such as language and immigration status, while benefiting from strong community support.Conclusion: Practices for considering SNs vary across organizations and reflect their relationships with local communities. The barriers and facilitators identified can guide more structured SN screening and referral processes to strengthen engagement in diabetes prevention efforts.
A. Rascon: None. N. Verdecias-Pellum: None.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (3R01DK107579-09S1)
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