Influences of decisions to attend a national diabetes prevention programme from people living in a socioeconomically deprived area

AIMS: To explore key influences of decisions in participants from a socioeconomically deprived area to attend the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHSDPP). The NHSDPP is a lifestyle behaviour change programme for adults with prediabetes living in England. METHODS: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 35 participants who had attended the initial assessment, but not yet started the NHSDPP; 23 were classified as “attenders,” 12 as “non‐attenders” after they were interviewed based on whether they had attended the first NHSDPP session or not. Transcribed interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Seven themes were derived from the data. The results demonstrate how understanding type 2 diabetes, making lifestyle changes, comparing themselves with others, having support and certain self‐perceptions can all affect individuals’ motivation to attend a diabetes prevention programme. Accessibility and practicalities also influenced both motivation and attendance. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified a range of different influences on decisions to attend a diabetes prevention programme, which programme organisers and healthcare professionals should consider to maximise attendance. Initial communication from general practitioners (GPs) and initial assessments are key points where people's beliefs and understanding could be explored.