A Digital Resource to Increase Walking for the Self-Management of Type 2 Diabetes for Ethic Minority Populations in the UK: A Qualitative Study

Background: Prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is higher amongst ethnic minority populations. Self-management such as walking is effective in reducing health complications associated with T2D. Digital technology is a cost-effective way to develop and implement self-management interventions such as walking. Aims and Methods: To investigate what a potential digital resource to increase walking for management of T2D could look like for ethnic minority populations in the UK. The online survey included 29 questions surrounding: technology usage; walking attitudes; and digital resources based on behaviour change techniques (BCT) to increase walking. 15 participants with T2D, and from an ethnic minority group in the UK were included in analysis. Results: Six BCTs important for increasing walking for self-management of T2D among ethnic minority populations in the UK were identified. BCTs include: self-monitoring; goal setting and planning; social support; outcome expectancy; feedback; and rewards. When examples of digital resources were presented this highlighted more specific aspects of BCTs participants felt would influence their walking. Conclusions: Further research should gain a more in-depth understanding based on these findings to develop and test a digital resource to increase walking within ethnic minority groups in the UK.