Feasibility and acceptability of a tailored health coaching intervention to improve type 2 diabetes self-management in Saudi Arabia: A mixed-methods randomised feasibility trial

Background: Around a third of the population of Saudi Arabia have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, a condition often requiring lifestyle changes. Personalised health coaching, a strategy developed to assist individuals in overcoming challenges to adopt healthy behaviours, has not yet been widely applied in the country.

Aims: We aim to explore the feasibility and acceptability of tailored health coaching in Saudi Arabia, in order to help those with Type 2 diabetes to more effectively manage their condition.

Methods: Using a mixed-methods approach, this research involved a randomised controlled trial with 30 Saudi adults who have Type 2 diabetes. They were randomly allocated into either the intervention or control arm for 12 weeks. The Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviour framework was used to guide the intervention implementation along with the Behaviour Change Techniques Taxonomy version 1. The primary goal was to assess the suitability and duration of the intervention, recruitment, retention, and completion rates. The secondary outcome focused on the preliminary efficacy of the health coaching measured by the glycaemic index, blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, weight, patient self-efficacy, and diabetes self-management.

Results: The results showed high rates of eligibility, recruitment, and retention (a screening rate of 90%, a recruiting rate of 79%, and a retention rate of 97%). Notable improvements were observed in the health coaching group across five outcomes: HbA1c, BMI, waist circumference, patient self-efficacy, and diabetes self-care. Qualitative findings highlighted the participants' perceived benefits from the intervention, including enhanced motivation, better understanding of diabetes management, and a supportive coaching relationship. Participants expressed high satisfaction with the intervention and advocated for its expansion.

Conclusion: The findings demonstrated positive outcomes, supporting the need for a larger randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of health coaching in improving diabetes self-management among individuals with Type 2 diabetes.