NCT05502016 · University of Arkansas
Family Model DSME in FBOs in the RMI
What this study is about
Health disparities in the Republic of the Marshall Islands are striking, with extremely high rates of type 2 diabetes. Documented prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the Marshall Islands ranges from 20%-50%.This is significantly higher than the global (8.5%) and United States (11%) prevalence.
View original scientific description
Health disparities in the Republic of the Marshall Islands are striking, with extremely high rates of type 2 diabetes. Documented prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the Marshall Islands ranges from 20%-50%.This is significantly higher than the global (8.5%) and United States (11%) prevalence. Diabetes doubles the risk of heart disease; is the leading cause of kidney failure, lower limb amputation, and acquired blindness; and reduces life expectancy by as much as 15 years. Diabetes self-management education and support is critical for persons with diabetes. This study aims to conduct a cluster-randomized controlled trial using a wait-list control to evaluate the effectiveness of family model diabetes self-management education and support when delivered in faith-based organizations (i.e., churches) in Marshallese by trained community health workers. The study will be conducted with up to 288 participants with type 2 diabetes and up to 288 of their family members. The primary study outcome will be glycemic control as measured by HbA1c. Secondary biometric measures include: fasting glucose, weight, body mass index, and blood pressure. Survey data will be collected pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention, four months post-intervention, and 12 months post-intervention for the intervention arm of the study. The control arm of the study will have two pre-intervention data collections before beginning the intervention. Data will then be collected from the control group immediately post-intervention, four months post-intervention, and 12 months post intervention.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Family Model Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support
Participants assigned to this arm receive an intervention that includes a culturally adapted family model diabetes self-management education and support with at least one participating family member in a faith-based organization setting.
BEHAVIORAL
Family Model Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (Wait-list)
Participants assigned to this arm will wait approximately 12 weeks to receive an intervention that includes a culturally adapted family model diabetes self-management education and support with at least one participating family member in a faith-based organization setting.
Primary outcome measures
Glycemic control, measured by change in mean HbA1c (%) from baseline
Time frame: Baseline, Immediate post-intervention, 4 months post-intervention, 12 months post-intervention
Point of care tests will be utilized to calculate HbA1c levels for each participant. The primary outcome measure is change in mean HbA1c (%) from baseline to immediate post-intervention, 4 months post-intervention, and 12 months post-intervention. Analyses will be adjusted for baseline HbA1c, sex, age, education, marital status, employment status, use of diabetes medications, and clustering of participants within churches.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- self-reported Marshallese
- 18 years of age or older
- have type 2 diabetes (defined as having HbA1c equal to or greater than 6.5%)
- have at least one family member willing to take part in the study
Exclusion criteria
- has received diabetes self-management education in the past five years
- has a condition that makes it unlikely that the participant will be able to follow the protocol, such as terminal illness, non-ambulatory, severe mental illness, severely impaired vision or hearing, eating disorder
- plans to move out of the geographic region
Where
- Springdale, Arkansas
Collaborators
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Dec 8, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations