{
  "abstract": "Background The burden of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing globally, with Saudi Arabia among the top ten countries with a high prevalence of T2D and prediabetes. T2D is now affecting younger populations. Despite national initiatives like the National Health Transformation Programme as part of the Saudi Vision 2030, there is limited evidence of implemented screening programmes for cardiovascular risk factors, including prediabetes and T2D. With their large young adult populations, universities could play a crucial role in health promotion and secondary prevention interventions.As part of the developmental process of a complex intervention, this study focused on collaboratively understanding the facilitators and barriers to engaging in and adhering to a university-based screening programme. It is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia. It is part of a larger doctoral project to co-develop a culturally tailored university-based screening programme for prediabetes and T2D.Methods An inductive, exploratory qualitative study was conducted at King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Saudi Arabia, using semi-structured interviews with staff and focus groups with students. Staff were recruited purely through purposive sampling via email. Student recruitment involved a two-step process: through social media platforms and purposive sampling to ensure diverse representation. This combined approach gathered varied perspectives from different academic backgrounds and genders. Data was collected online via Google Meet, with recorded transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using MAXQDA.Results Thirty-two students, divided into junior and senior levels and segregated by gender to respect cultural norms, participated in eight focus groups. Ten staff members, primarily faculty, were interviewed. Thematic analysis revealed four main themes: Individual Factors, Programme Design and Implementation, Organisational Factors, and Recommendations for a Successful Programme. These themes encompassed 17 sub-themes, including but not limited to beliefs and perceptions toward screening programmes, communication and marketing strategy, service provider characteristics, Bureaucracy and Fragmented Efforts, and Use of Available Resources.Conclusion Findings indicate a willingness among students and staff to support and participate in a university-based screening programme for prediabetes and T2D. However, successful implementation requires addressing influencing factors at individual, organisational, and university health system levels. A potential limitation of using online tools for the focus groups was the reduced ability to observe and document non-verbal cues and interactions among participants. Future research should focus on co-developing a culturally tailored screening programme in partnership with stakeholders, including pilot testing, before a feasibility study is conducted.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK",
        "Preventive Medicine and Public Health, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia"
      ],
      "name": "Ziyad Basahal"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Elizabeth Goyder"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Lindsay Blank"
    }
  ],
  "title": "P102 Towards a culturally tailored diabetes screening programme in Saudi universities: a qualitative exploration of stakeholder perspectives",
  "uid": "aa1e6814-e09e-56fd-b4c6-fd4ee2e7979d"
}