DiaDeM stands for “Developing and evaluating an adapted behavioural activation intervention for people with depression and diabetes.” Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), UK, this five-year initiative (September 2020 to March 2026) is being implemented in Bangladesh and Pakistan to address the growing burden of co-existing diabetes and depression.
In Bangladesh, the project is led by BADAS-CHRI (Diabetic Association of Bangladesh & Centre for Health Research and Implementation) in collaboration with ARK Foundation, with implementation activities taking place in Dhaka and Sylhet. The project focuses on delivering Behavioural Activation (BA) counselling sessions for individuals living with both diabetes and depression. Through structured, session-by-session conversations, trained Behavioural Activation Facilitators support participants to improve mood, increase engagement in meaningful daily activities, and strengthen overall wellbeing alongside diabetes self-management.
ARK Foundation contributes to the project through community engagement and involvement, qualitative research, and behavioural activation/talking therapy training. Together with BADAS-CHRI, the project aims to generate practical evidence on how culturally adapted psychological support can be integrated into routine diabetes care to improve mental health outcomes and quality of life for people living with chronic conditions in Bangladesh.
Funding Agency: National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), United Kingdom
Project Duration: September 2020 to March 2026.
