Pharmacy student-led health outreach improves knowledge and behavior change motivation for prevention of type 2 diabetes among a college community

Type 2 diabetes is a growing concern among young adults, including college students, due to rates of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and limited disease awareness. Despite the risk, few studies have examined the effectiveness of targeted educational interventions among this population. To determine whether a pharmacy student-led educational session improves knowledge, retention, and motivation for behavior change related to type 2 diabetes prevention among undergraduate students. A group of third-year pharmacy students conducted 30-minute interactive educational sessions on a college campus in North Carolina. The sessions covered risk factors, prevention strategies, and healthy behaviors using slides, interactive questions, and video clips. Participants completed a presurvey, immediate postsurvey, and a 2- to 3-month follow-up survey assessing knowledge and self-reported behaviors. A paired <i>t</i> test and ANOVA with post hoc analysis evaluated changes in knowledge over time. Sixty-four students completed both the pre- and postsurveys. Knowledge scores significantly improved from pre- to postsurvey (7.0 ± 1.6 to 9.7 ± 1.4; <i>P</i> < 0.001). Of the 17 students completing the follow-up survey, knowledge remained significantly higher than baseline (pre: 6.4 ± 1.27; post: 8.7 ± 1.31; follow-up: 9.9 ± 2.28; <i>P</i> < 0.001). Participants reported increased motivation to adopt healthier behaviors, such as physical activity, improved nutrition using the Plate Method, and adequate sleep. An interactive, pharmacy student-led educational session significantly improved college students' knowledge and motivation to reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Tailored, engaging outreach may be an effective strategy to address early prevention in at-risk college populations.<b>NEW & NOTEWORTHY</b> A pharmacy student-led educational initiative improved college students' knowledge and motivation related to type 2 diabetes prevention. Through interactive 30-minute sessions covering risk factors and healthy behaviors, participants showed marked gains in knowledge immediately and sustained at 2-3 months. Students also reported lifestyle changes, including improved diet, increased physical activity, and better sleep. This peer-delivered approach highlights the potential of tailored, engaging outreach to promote early prevention in at-risk young adult populations.