Factors influencing participation in an online national diabetes prevention programme: A qualitative study with attenders and educators

Aim To explore factors affecting participation in the pilot of the synchronous online national diabetes prevention programme (NDPP) in Ireland from the perspectives of those who attended and the educators who recruited for and delivered the programme. Methods A qualitative study involving semi‐structured interviews and focus groups with NDPP attenders (attended the assessment and at least one session) and educators (dietitians) on the programme. The Framework Method using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) guided the analysis. Results Thirteen attenders took part in two online focus groups and five online or phone interviews. Eight educators took part. Four themes which cut across the TDF domains were identified as factors influencing participation; (i) lack of awareness of prediabetes and fear of diabetes, relating to attenders' fear of diabetes and lack of knowledge of prediabetes and diabetes prevention; (ii) perceived need for programme support to change health behaviour, concerning attenders' and educators' recognition of the need for the NDPP; (iii) trust in healthcare professionals (HCPs), relating to trust in HCPs to convey the seriousness of prediabetes and the value of diabetes prevention programmes (DPPs) and (iv) practical and personal ease of joining online, relating to the flexibility and accessibility of the synchronous online group format, the IT skills of attenders and educators and apprehension about group education. Conclusions Raising awareness of prediabetes and the need for prevention programmes should be a priority for health services and HCPs. The synchronous online group format was seen as less daunting to join than a face‐to‐face programme and may be a useful option to encourage participation.