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Background/Objectives: The National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) assists individuals with lifestyle change for type 2 diabetes risk reduction through education, skills, and support. To further understand program effectiveness, implementation research needs to consider influences on retention, effectiveness, and sustainability of the program in rural settings. The purpose of this study was to understand National DPP implementation in two rural workplace settings as well as the factors that influence program participation and outcomes. Methods: Individuals who met criteria for being at risk for developing type 2 diabetes participated in two National DPPs. The first program (Technology-Augmented DPP) occurred in 2016 with the goal of understanding the role of psychosocial factors in relation to National DPP outcomes, and quantitative data were obtained from 47 participants. Variables of interest included the Lifestyle-Health-Related Self-Concept questionnaire (HRSC), weight, and physical activity. The second program (Hybrid-Format DPP) occurred in 2022 with the goal of understanding individual participant experiences within the program by conducting a reflexive thematic analysis on data obtained during a semi-structured group interview with 3 participants. Results: In the Technology-Augmented DPP, Lifestyle-HRSC dimensions of nutrition, social support, avoiding diabetes, and problem solving were associated with weight, steps per day, and activity minutes. In the Hybrid-Format DPP, the generated themes included Frequency Matters, Rules of Engagement, Promoting Self-Efficacy, and Bridging the Intention-Behavior Gap. Conclusions: Based on this study, a focus on understanding and responding to context-specific and participant-focused National DPP implementation is the essential next step in National DPP research. Prevention programs and policies individualized to people and communities will improve participation and outcomes. The National DPP should consider how to evolve to the changing needs of at-risk individuals in rural and underserved areas.

Background: Time spent in sedentary behaviors is an independent risk factor for several chronic diseases (e.g., cardiometabolic diseases, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension). Recently, interventions to reduce sitting time at work (a prominent sedentary behavior) have been developed and tested. Organizational culture plays a critical role in the success of workplace interventions. However, there are a limited number of studies that have examined the role of organizational culture in reducing sitting time in the workplace.Objectives: Therefore, in this systematic review, we summarized the empirical literature investigating organizational culture and sedentary behavior in the workplace and identify gaps in the knowledge base.Methods: We described the procedures of our systematic review and included two study flow diagrams that detailed the step by step process. Combinations of several search terms were used; the databases searched were PubMed, Medline, Academic Search Complete, and Google Scholar. We started with thousands of citations. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, eight relevant articles were identified.Results: For each identified article, the data extracted included citation, sample, objective, intervention, assessment of organizational culture and workplace sitting, findings, and implications. Each article was rated for risk of bias by population, intervention, comparator, outcomes, and study design (PICOS) analysis. The classification for each study was either: high-, moderate-, or low-quality evidence. Given the paucity of data, no definitive conclusions were presented; however, positive trends were highlighted.Conclusions: Work place interventions to reduce sitting time at work may benefit from considering elements of organizational culture; however, the evidence to date is sparse and more high-quality studies in this area are needed. To advance the field of workplace health promotion, organizational culture, and interventions to reduce sitting at work, we present 11 recommendations.

Objective: To investigate the physical activity levels of students enrolled in a standard fitness walking class versus a service-learning dog walking class. Participants: College students (N = 65) from a university in the Southeastern United States (71% female; 85% White; 72% seniors). Methods: Students wore NL-1000 pedometers twice a week for 50 minutes for a full academic year. Service-learning students also completed reflection papers. Pedometer data was analyzed using SPSS and papers were analyzed through inductive coding. Results: Significant differences were found in each quantitative measure collected between classes. Students in the service-learning fitness walking class took more steps, walked further, and obtained more minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity than the students in the standard fitness walking class. Results from student reflections provided insight into why these differences occurred as well as additional student experiences. Conclusions: Incorporating a service component into a physical activity course can be beneficial.

One strategy to encourage college students to meet physical activity and public health guidelines is the Exercise is Medicine on Campus Initiative (EIM-OC), whose goal is to promote physical activity as a vital health sign within universities. To develop, implement, and evaluate the EIM-OC Initiative, it is critical to understand the mechanics of the program via a logic model. Objective: The objective is to present a conceptual logic model for EIM-OC Initiative implementation. Methods: Using an activities-approach framework, a logic model was developed using inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes. Results: This logic model serves as a guide for the conceptual relationships within the EIM-OC Initiative. It was hypothesized that the EIM-OC Initiative would have an overarching outcome of improving physical activity levels in the university setting to promote overall community wellness and health. Conclusion: The authors anticipate this logic model will serve as a framework for other universities implementing EIM-OC.