An Avatar Video Intervention on Type 2 Diabetes for Women of Color Using Brief Motivational Interviewing

This online study evaluated the efficacy of an e-health avatar/cartoon video with women of color living with type 2 diabetes for a minimum of 2 years. After considerable dropout, the sample size declined from n=149, as 50.3% (n=75, 50.33%) did not complete the survey. After eliminating those who did not watch “all” or “most” of the video, the sample declined further. The final sample (n=64) was 31.3% (n=20) U.S.-born, 100% (n=64) female, 79.7% (n=51) Black, and 12.5% (n=8) Asian—with mean age of 49.28 (Min=22, Max=79, SD=13.24). Using backwards stepwise regression, higher post-video global self-efficacy to perform AADE7 Self-Care Behaviors™ was significantly predicted by: higher level of coping self-efficacy—stopping unpleasant emotions and thoughts (B=0.131, p =.001); and higher age (B=0.026, p=.002) with the R2=.331 (Adjusted R2 =.298; 29.8% of the variance was explained). However, less emphasis should be placed on findings from this controversial regression with small sample size. Instead, as this is an online evaluation of a brief online video intervention, what are important are results of pre- versus post-video paired t-test results. These suggested that engagement in the brief online intervention of watching the new video was associated with: a significant increase in type 2 diabetes self-management knowledge for performing the AADE7™ Self-Care Behaviors; and, a significant increase for stages of change, self-efficacy, and motivation to perform the 7 diabetes self-management behaviors. Finally, the mixed methods data were important for underscoring the value of the study’s quantitative findings. Some 89.1% (n=57) would recommend the video to other women of color living with type 2 diabetes. Reflecting how the video intervention was a true innovation in integrating a brief form of motivational interviewing with relapse prevention, consider sample emergent themes: video was motivational; and video covered relapse prevention and problem solving, using a menu of options. There is value in ensuring exposure to an e-health avatar video on the AADE7 Self-Care Behaviors™ that also integrates the evidence-based approaches of motivational interviewing and relapse prevention, in order to meet the health education needs of those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.