Aims: Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations remain underrepresented in cardiovascular disease (CVD) research despite their higher disease burden compared with non-CALD populations. The purpose of this review is to synthesize the available literature on strategies to engage CALD participants in CVD research. Methods and results: Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) were searched for literature up until May 2024. Qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods studies were included if they focused on CVD research, included participants who identified as coming from a CALD background, and the study included a description of their recruitment strategies. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, and findings were analysed through a narrative synthesis. A total of 34 studies were included in this review, with the largest proportion conducted in the USA. The African American population was the most common CALD group. The most commonly used strategies to recruit CALD participants were strategically undertaking recruitment from places frequented by CALD communities; using CALD-specific promotional and advertisement material; offering monetary incentives; creating translated and jargon-free material; and improving staff diversity and cultural competency. The success of recruitment strategies was assessed in seven studies showing mostly positive results. Conclusion: The findings of this review highlight cultural- and language-specific strategies that can be used to improve recruitment of CALD participants in CVD research. CALD communities must be included in CVD research to ensure cultural barriers are addressed when developing evidence-based CVD prevention guidelines. Registration: PROSPERO: CRD42023473688.

Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevalence is rising worldwide. Despite numerous efforts to address the condition, many initiatives fall short due to limited consumer engagement. Involving people with lived experience in healthcare design is increasingly recognized as an effective strategy for improving diabetes management. Aim: To understand the unmet needs of people with T2D in self-managing their condition through the establishment of a Consumer Reference Group (CRG). Methods: The CRG was established using a standardized approach advised by Monash Partners, with specific terms of reference for consumer engagement. A face-to-face training workshop was conducted to develop consumers’ capacity to co-design T2D interventions. Two focus groups were held to explore consumers’ unmet needs and propose potential solutions. An inductive thematic analysis was performed. Results: Ten adults (three females/seven males; 58–78 years old) with T2D participated. Four main themes emerged: (1) misinformation; (2) limited guidance; (3) challenges in self-management; and (4) gaps in prevention and screening. Participants reported difficulties in maintaining motivation, balancing T2D management with other life commitments, and addressing mental health concerns. They reported feeling misinformed and inadequately supported by healthcare professionals and diabetes organizations, often relying on conflicting sources of information. Participants from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds noted a lack of tailored dietary information. Proposed solutions included better training for primary care providers, reinforcing the role of diabetes nurse educators, expanding mental health support, and collaborating with CALD communities to provide culturally appropriate dietary information. Conclusions: These insights are critical for developing consumer-driven interventions that are responsive to the real-world needs of people living with T2D.

Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevalence is rising worldwide. Despite numerous efforts to tackle T2D, many initiatives fail due to poor engagement. Consumer involvement in healthcare design is increasingly recognized as an effective strategy for managing diabetes. Aim: To understand the unmet needs of people with T2D in self-managing their condition through the development of a Consumer Reference Group (CRG). Methods: The CRG was established using a standardized approach advised by Monash Partners, with specific terms of reference for consumer engagement. A face-to-face training workshop was conducted to develop consumers' skills in co-designing T2D interventions. Two focus groups were also conducted to identify consumers’ unmet needs and proposed solutions for effective T2D management. Inductive thematic analysis was used to extract themes. Results: Ten adults (3 females/7 males; 58-78 years old) with T2D participated. The thematic analysis highlighted four main themes: (1) misinformation; (2) limited guidance; (3) self-management; (4) prevention and screening. Consumers reported unmet needs in maintaining motivation, managing T2D alongside other commitments, and addressing mental health issues. They felt misinformed about self-management and lacked guidance from healthcare professionals and organizations, often relying on conflicting information. Those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds noted a lack of tailored dietary information. Proposed solutions included training primary care providers, reinforcing the role of diabetes nurse educators, providing targeted mental health support, and collaborating with CALD communities for culturally appropriate dietary information. Conclusions: These findings are crucial for informing consumer-driven intervention programs for T2D management, developed by and for people living with T2D.