A feasibility study using motivational interviewing and a smartphone application to promote physical activity (+Stay-Active) for women with gestational diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) interventions have an encouraging role in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) management. Digital technologies can potentially be used at scale to support PA. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of + Stay-Active: a complex intervention which combines motivational interviewing with a smartphone application to promote PA levels in women with GDM. METHODS: This non-randomised feasibility study used a mixed methods approach. Participants were recruited from the GDM antenatal clinic at Oxford University Hospitals. Following baseline assessments (visit 1) including self-reported and device determined PA measurements (wrist worn accelerometer), women participated in an online motivational interview, and then downloaded (visit 2) and used the Stay-Active app (Android or iOS). Women had access to Stay-Active until 36 weeks' gestation, when acceptability and PA levels were reassessed (visit 3). The primary outcome measures were recruitment and retention rates, participant engagement, and acceptability and fidelity of the intervention. Secondary outcome measures included PA levels, app usage, blood glucose and perinatal outcomes. Descriptive statistics were performed for assessments at study visits. Statistics software package Stata 14 and R were used. RESULTS: Over the recruitment period (46 weeks), 114 of 285 women met inclusion criteria and 67 (58%) enrolled in the study. Mean recruitment rate of 1.5 participants/clinic with 2.5 women/clinic meeting inclusion criteria. Fifty-six (83%) received the intervention at visit 2 and 53 (79%) completed the study. Compliance to accelerometer measurement protocols were sufficient in 78% of participants (52/67); wearing the device for more than 10 h on 5 or more days at baseline and 61% (41/67) at 36 weeks. There was high engagement with Stay-Active; 82% (55/67) of participants set goals on Stay-Active. Sustained engagement was evident, participants regularly accessed and logged multiples activities on Stay-Active. The intervention was deemed acceptable; 85% of women rated their care was satisfactory or above, supported by written feedback. CONCLUSIONS: This combined intervention was feasible and accepted. Recruitment rates were lower than expected. However, retention rates remained satisfactory and participant compliance with PA measurements and engagement was a high. Future work will explore the intervention's efficacy to increase PA and impact on clinical outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study has received a favourable opinion from South Central-Hampshire B Research Ethics Committee; REC reference: 20/SC/0342. ISRCTN11366562.

Perceptions of Chinese women with a history of gestational diabetes regarding health behaviors and related factors: a directed qualitative content analysis.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common metabolic disorders during pregnancy and is associated with adverse outcomes in both mothers and their children. After delivery, women who experience GDM are also at higher risk of both subsequent GDM and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) than those who do not. Therefore, healthcare providers and public health practitioners need to develop targeted and effective interventions for GDM. In this study, we aimed to explore the perceptions regarding health behaviors and related factors during the inter-pregnancy period among Chinese women with a history of GDM through the lens of the theory of planned behavior (TPB). METHODS: Between December 2021 and September 2022, 16 pregnant Chinese women with a history of GDM were purposively recruited from a tertiary maternity hospital in Shanghai for face-to-face semi-structured interviews. They were asked questions regarding their health behaviors and related factors. The transcribed data were analyzed using a directed qualitative content analysis method based on the theory of TPB. RESULTS: The health-related behaviors of the women varied substantially. We identified five domains that influenced women's behaviors according to TPB constructs and based on the data collected: behavioral attitude (perceived benefits of healthy behaviors and the relationship between experience and attitude towards the oral glucose tolerance testing); subjective norms (influences of significant others and traditional cultural beliefs); perceived behavior control (knowledge of the disease, multiple-role conflict, the impact of COVID-19, an unfriendly external environment and difficulty adhering to healthy diets), incentive mechanisms (self-reward and external incentives); preferences of professional and institutional support (making full use of social media platform and providing continuous health management). CONCLUSIONS: The health-related behaviors of women with a history of GDM were found to be affected by multiple factors. Healthcare professionals are recommended to provide women with sufficient information regarding the disease and to take advantage of the power of the family and other social support networks to improve women's subjective norms and to promote the adoption of a healthy lifestyle.

The pioneers of Vietnam's epidemiological transition: an ethnographic study of pregnant women's experiences of gestational diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an abnormal glucose metabolism diagnosed during pregnancy that can have serious adverse consequences for mother and child. GDM is an exceptional health condition, as its management serves not only as treatment but also as prevention, reducing the risk of future diabetes in mother and child. OBJECTIVES: This qualitative study aimed to explore how pregnant women experience and respond to GDM, focusing particularly on the role of the family environment in shaping women's experiences. METHODS: The research was carried out in Vietnam's Thái Bình province in April-May 2023. We conducted in-depth ethnographic interviews with 21 women with GDM, visiting them in their homes. Our theoretical starting point was phenomenological anthropology, and the data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: At the centre of women's experiences was the contrast between GDM as a biomedical and a social condition. Whereas GDM was biomedically diagnosed and managed in the healthcare system, it was often deemed insignificant or non-existent by family members. This made GDM a biomedically present but socially absent health condition. This paradox posed challenges to women's GDM self-care, placing them in pioneering social positions. CONCLUSIONS: The biomedical presence yet social absence of GDM turned women into pioneers at biomedical, digital, epidemiological, and family frontiers. This article calls for appreciation of pregnant women's pioneering roles and for health systems action to involve women and families in the development of GDM policies and programmes at a time of sweeping global health changes.

Main findings: Vietnamese women's experiences of gestational diabetes were affected by social splits between clinic and home; between biomedical and family worlds.Added knowledge: Gestational diabetes places pregnant women in Northern Vietnam in pioneering roles on biomedical, digital, epidemiological, and family frontiers.Global health impact for policy and action: Pregnant women should be involved in the development of policies and programmes addressing gestational diabetes, with particular attention to the connections between clinical and family worlds.

Beyond the individual: Socio-ecological factors impacting activity after gestational diabetes mellitus.

AIM: The risk of Type 2 Diabetes is 10 times higher after a pregnancy with Gestational Diabetes. Physical activity can independently reduce this risk, yet engagement with physical activity remains low after Gestational Diabetes. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators to the uptake of physical activity after Gestational Diabetes in the United Kingdom, using a socio-ecological approach. METHODS: The paper was written following the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research. Patient and Public Involvement contributed to the study's conceptualisation and design. Participants were recruited through an audit of Gestational Diabetes cases at a local Teaching Hospital in 2020. Twelve participants took part in semi-structured one-to-one interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to generate themes in iterative rounds of refinement. The final themes were then organised using the socio-ecological model. RESULTS: Participants were all over 31 years old, predominantly self-identified as White British and were all in employment but were evenly spread across UK-based deprivation deciles. Ten themes were generated and organised according to the four levels of the socio-ecological model: intrapersonal (beliefs about activity, recovering from birth), social (health care professionals, family and partner, role as a mother), organisational (access and cost, environment, childcare and work) and community (connecting women with recent Gestational Diabetes). CONCLUSIONS: Many of the amenable barriers and facilitators to physical activity were beyond the intrapersonal level, based on higher levels of the socio-ecological model (social, organisational and community). Multi-level interventions are needed to effectively address all barriers.

A qualitative study exploring partner involvement in the management of gestational diabetes mellitus: The experiences of women and partners.

AIMS: The aims of the study were to explore the experiences of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and their partners and examine the factors influencing partner involvement in GDM management, seeking to inform a targeted couple-based intervention. DESIGN: A descriptive qualitative study. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 women with GDM and their partners. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling from a tertiary hospital in Xi'an, China. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Three themes and 12 subthemes were identified. Theme I: Women's expectations of their partner's involvement in GDM management-practical support and emotional support. Theme II: Partner involvement in GDM management-constructive involvement, unhelpful involvement with good intentions and insufficient involvement. Theme III: Factors that influence partner involvement in GDM-knowledge of GDM, GDM risk perception, health consciousness, attitudes towards the treatment plan, couple communication regarding GDM management, family roles and appraisal of GDM management responsibility. CONCLUSION: Women desired practical and emotional support from partners. The types of partner involvement in GDM management varied. Some partners provided constructive support, while some partners' involvement was limited, non-existent or actively unhelpful. By combining these results with the factors influencing partner involvement, our findings may help healthcare professionals develop strategies to involve partners in GDM care and enhance women's ability to manage GDM. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND PATIENT CARE: Partner involvement in GDM care may help them understand and better attend to women's needs, thus improving their experience and potential outcomes. This study highlights novel factors that need to be considered in developing couple-based interventions for this population. REPORTING METHOD: The reporting follows the COREQ checklist. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Some patients were involved in data interpretation. There is no public contribution.

Latent profile analysis and influencing factors of quality of life in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

PURPOSE: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) negatively affects the quality of life of pregnant women and is influenced by several factors. Research to date treats pregnant women with gestational diabetes as a homogeneous group based on their quality of life. We attempted to identify subgroups based on self-reported quality of life and explored variables associated with subgroups. METHODS: From September 1, 2020 to November 29, 2020, pregnant women with GDM from two hospitals in Guangdong Province were selected as subjects by convenience sampling method. Medical records provided sociodemographic data, duration of GDM, pregnancy status, and family history of diabetes. Participants completed validated questionnaires for quality of life, anxiety and depression. Latent profile analysis was used to identify profiles of quality of life in pregnant women with GDM, and then a mixed regression method was used to analyze the influencing factors of different profiles. RESULTS: A total of 279 valid questionnaires were collected. The results of the latent profile analysis showed that the quality of life of pregnant women with GDM could be divided into two profiles: C1 "high worry-high support" group (75.6%) and C2 "low worry-low support" group (24.4%). Daily exercise duration and depression degree are negative influencing factors, making it easier to enter the C1 group (p < 0.05). Disease duration and family history of diabetes are positive influencing factors, making it easier to enter the C2 group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The quality of life of pregnant women with GDM had obvious classification characteristics. Pregnant women with exercise habits and depression are more likely to enter the "high worry-high support" group, and health care providers should guide their exercise according to exercise guidelines during pregnancy and strengthen psychological intervention. Pregnant women with a family history of diabetes and a longer duration of the disease are more likely to fall into the "low worry-low support" group. Healthcare providers can strengthen health education for them and improve their disease self-management abilities.

The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Counseling on Blood Glucose and Perceived Stress in Women with Gestational Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Gestational diabetes can cause maternal and neonatal morbidity. Psychological factors, especially stress, play a meaningful role in diabetes management. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction counseling on blood sugar and perceived stress in women with gestational diabetes. METHODS: The present quasi-experimental interventional study was performed on 78 women with gestational diabetes. In the intervention group, a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction counseling program was conducted by the researcher in 8 sessions of 90 minutes twice a week. The Cohen stress questionnaire was filled in both groups. Also, fasting blood sugar and 2-hour blood sugar levels were measured in both groups. Statistical analysis was performed using the independent T-Test, the paired T-Test, the Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon Tests using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows version 20 version (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). RESULTS: The mean age of pregnant women in the intervention group was 28.84 ± 6.20 years old and 29.03 ± 5.42 years old in the control group. There was a significant mean difference between the fasting blood sugar score (p = 0.02; - 6.01; and - 11.46) and the 2-hour fasting blood sugar score (p < 0.001;12.35; and - 5.3) and the perceived stress score (p < 0.001; 35.57; and - 49.19) existed between the intervention and control groups after the intervention. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed that mindfulness-based stress reduction counseling is effective in reducing blood sugar levels and reducing perceived stress in women with gestational diabetes treated with diet.

Perceptions of primiparous women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus: A descriptive qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the perceptions of primiparous women recently diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) in Singapore. DESIGN: A descriptive qualitative study design. SETTING: An outpatient women's health clinic in a tertiary hospital in Singapore. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve English-speaking primiparous women (aged 27-44 years old) who were diagnosed with GDM were recruited via purposive sampling to participate in this study. METHODS: Face-to-face interviews were carried out with study participants in a private room at the outpatient clinic from December 2019 to May 2021. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim on the same day. Data analysis was guided by Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis framework. FINDINGS: Four main themes were identified from this study's findings: (1) Life leading to GDM: A 'hint' that something was wrong, (2) Reactions to diagnosis: Shock or acceptance, (3) Learning to cope: Facing internal and external challenges, and (4) Living with GDM: A way forward. KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Primiparous women with GDM require comprehensive informational, practical, and emotional support to help them manage and accept their condition. Healthcare providers are encouraged to provide individualised and holistic care to these women using a humanistic approach. Accessible online educational resources and peer support services could be considered. Public campaigns to increase the general public's awareness of GDM would also allow future women and their families to be more familiar with the condition and hence more prepared to cope with it.

Perceptions and experiences of women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus: A qualitative evidence synthesis.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is strongly associated with the future risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Women with GDM have a 10 times higher risk than women without GDM over a 10-year follow-up period. The objective of this review is to synthesise the existing evidence regarding women's views and experiences of the emotional and practical impact of GDM and its implications for diabetes prevention. Findings will be used to inform the design of interventions to prevent or delay T2DM. A systematic review of qualitative studies was conducted searching PubMed, MEDLINE, Science Direct, Scopus, and PsycINFO, from 2010 to 2021. Studies were eligible if they addressed how women's experiences and perceptions of GDM influenced women's adherence to postpartum follow-up and lifestyle interventions. The Social-Ecological Model guided the data analysis including five levels of influence specific to health behaviour: intrapersonal factors, interpersonal factors, health system organisational factors, public policy and environmental factors, and community factors. We included 31 articles after screening 22 943 citations and 51 full texts. We found that women's role as mother and caregiver is competing with one's own health priority resulting in poor postpartum screening and poor management of eating and physical activity behaviours. A supportive environment including partners, family, peers and health professionals is essential for lifestyle changes. Other environmental factors such as limited financial means or lack of health education were also barriers to adopting a healthy lifestyle. Many factors hinder T2DM postpartum screening and healthy lifestyle behaviours after GDM, yet the postpartum period is an opportunity to improve access to diabetes prevention, care and education. Women's experiences and needs should be considered when designing strategies and interventions to promote healthier lifestyles in this population.

Comparing American Indian/Alaska Native Adolescent Daughters' and Their Mothers' Awareness, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Regarding Risk for Gestational Diabetes: Implications for Mother-Daughter Communication on Reproductive Health.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to describe, compare, and examine associations at baseline of reproductive health awareness, knowledge, health beliefs, communication and behaviors related to gestational diabetes (GDM) and GDM risk reduction in a vulnerable population of both American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) adolescent girls and their mothers. METHODS: Descriptive/comparative/correlational analyses examined multitribal baseline data on 149 mother-daughter (M-D) dyads (N = 298; daughter age = 12-24 years) enrolled in a longitudinal study to adapt and evaluate a culturally relevant diabetes preconception counseling (PC) program (Stopping-GDM). The associations between GDM risk reduction awareness, knowledge, health beliefs, and behaviors (eg, daughters' eating, physical activity, reproductive-health [RH] choices/planning, M-D communication, daughters' discussions on PC) were examined. Data collected online from 5 national sites. RESULTS: Many M-D lacked awareness/knowledge of GDM and risk reduction. Both M-D were unaware of the girl's risk for GDM. Mothers' knowledge and beliefs on GDM prevention/RH were significantly higher than daughters. Younger daughters had greater self-efficacy healthy living. Overall sample reported low to moderate scores for both M-D communication and daughters' GDM and RH risk-reduction behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge, communication, and behaviors to prevent GDM were low in AIAN M-D, especially daughters. More than daughters, mothers perceive greater risk of GDM for daughters. Early culturally responsive dyadic PC programs could help decrease risk of developing GDM. Implications for M-D communication is compelling.

Factores de riesgo psicosocial asociados con la diabetes mellitus gestacional: revisión sistemática / Psychosocial risk factors associated with gestational diabetes mellitus: systematic review

La diabetes mellitus gestacional DMG es una enfermedad con consecuencias mortales, incapacitantes y costosas para las personas, las familias, las comunidades y los países. Con el fin de establecer de manera sistemática los factores de riesgo psicosocial asociados con la DMG que deberían ser monitoreados durante y después del embarazo se realizó una revisión sistemática en las bases de datos PubMed/Medline y Cochrane. Se encontraron 1188 artículos y se seleccionaron 41. Algunos temas principales fueron conflictos con prácticas culturales, estigma social, influencia de la etnia/raza, bajo nivel educativo, calidad del sueño, problemas con la lactancia materna, preocupación por la propia salud o la del bebé, baja percepción de riesgo de DMG o de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en el futuro, estrés, ansiedad y depresión, conocimiento limitado, falta de apoyo de la pareja, de la familia o social y de los profesionales de la salud, bajos niveles de autocuidado/autoeficacia y dificultades con cambios en el estilo de vida. Estos factores deberían monitorearse en las embarazadas durante y después del parto. Los tratamientos deberían considerar el impacto psicológico y el riesgo de desarrollar diabetes mellitus tipo 2 después del parto, y deberían ser incluidos en las guías de práctica clínica. Las poblaciones multiétnicas y los grupos más vulnerables demográficamente y socioeconómicamente son más susceptibles de desarrollar DMG.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a disease with fatal, disabling, and costly consequences for individuals, families, communities and countries. To systematically establish the psychosocial risk factors associated with GDM that should be monitored during and after pregnancy. Systematic review in PubMed/Medline and Cochrane databases. 1188 articles were found and 41 were selected. Some main themes were conflicts with cultural practices, social stigma, ethnicity/race influence, low educational level, sleep quality, breastfeeding problems, concern for ones own health/baby, low perception of the risk of GDM/DM2 in the future, stress, anxiety and depression, limited knowledge, lack of support from the partner/family/social and health professionals, low levels of self-care/self-efficacy and difficulties with changes in the lifestyle. These factors should be monitored in pregnant women during and after delivery. Treatments should consider the psychological impact and the risk of developing DM2 after childbirth and should be included in clinical practice guidelines. Multi-ethnic populations and the most demographically and socioeconomically vulnerable groups are more susceptible to developing GDM.

Brain responses to food viewing in women during pregnancy and post partum and their relationship with metabolic health: study protocol for the FOODY Brain Study, a prospective observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Food cravings are common in pregnancy and along with emotional eating and eating in the absence of hunger, they are associated with excessive weight gain and adverse effects on metabolic health including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Women with GDM also show poorer mental health, which further can contribute to dysregulated eating behaviour. Food cravings can lead to greater activity in brain centres known to be involved in food 'wanting' and reward valuation as well as emotional eating. They are also related to gestational weight gain. Thus, there is a great need to link implicit brain responses to food with explicit measures of food intake behaviour, especially in the perinatal period. The aim of this study is to investigate the spatiotemporal brain dynamics to visual presentations of food in women during pregnancy and in the post partum, and link these brain responses to the eating behaviour and metabolic health outcomes in women with and without GDM. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This prospective observational study will include 20 women with and 20 without GDM, that have valid data for the primary outcomes. Data will be assessed at 24-36 weeks gestational age and at 6 months post partum. The primary outcomes are brain responses to food pictures of varying carbohydrate and fat content during pregnancy and in the post partum using electroencephalography. Secondary outcomes including depressive symptoms, current mood and eating behaviours will be assessed with questionnaires, objective eating behaviours will be measured using Auracle and stress will be measured with heart rate and heart rate variability (Actiheart). Other secondary outcome measures include body composition and glycaemic control parameters. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Human Research Ethics Committee of the Canton de Vaud approved the study protocol (2021-01976). Study results will be presented at public and scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.

Quality of Life and Depression Conditions of Women with Gestational Diabetes during Pregnancy and Postpartum Period.

OBJECTIVE: The study was conducted to determine the quality of life and depression of women with gestational diabetes during pregnancy and the postpartum period. METHODS: 100 pregnant women with gestational diabetes and 100 healthy pregnant women were included in the present study. Data were obtained from pregnant women in their third trimester who agreed to take part in the study. The data was collected during the third trimester and six to eight weeks after the baby was born. The data were obtained by socio-demographic characteristics form, postpartum data collection form, the MOS 36 Item Short Form Health Survey and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD). RESULTS: The mean age of pregnant women with gestational diabetes in the study was the same as the average age of healthy pregnant women. The CESD score of pregnant women with gestational diabetes was 26,77 ± 4,85 while the corresponding score was 25,19 ± 4,43 for healthy women. Additionally, the score in the postpartum period was 32.47 ± 5.94 for pregnant women with gestational diabetes and 35.47 ± 8.33 for healthy pregnant women. CESD scores were found to be higher than the cut-off score of 16 in both groups, and the mean scores increased during the postpartum period. CONCLUSION: During the postpartum period, the quality of life of pregnant women with gestational diabetes was affected more negatively than healthy pregnant women. Depressive symptoms of women with both gestational diabetes and healthy pregnancy were found to be high in pregnancy and postpartum periods.

OBJETIVO: O estudo foi realizado para determinar a qualidade de vida e depressão de mulheres com diabetes gestacional durante a gravidez e período pós-parto. MéTODOS: 100 gestantes com diabetes gestacional e 100 gestantes saudáveis incluídas no presente estudo. Os dados foram obtidos de mulheres grávidas no terceiro trimestre que concordaram em participar do estudo. Os dados foram coletados durante o terceiro trimestre e seis a oito semanas após o nascimento do bebê. Os dados foram obtidos por meio do formulário de características sociodemográficas formulário de coleta de dados pós-parto MOS 36 Item Short Form Health Survey e Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD). RESULTADOS: A idade média das gestantes com diabetes gestacional no estudo foi igual à idade média das gestantes saudáveis. O escore CESD de gestantes com diabetes gestacional foi de 26 77 ± 4 85 enquanto o escore correspondente foi de 25 19 ± 4 43 para mulheres saudáveis. Além disso o escore no pós-parto foi de 32 47 ± 5 94 para gestantes com diabetes gestacional e 35 47 ± 8 33 para gestantes saudáveis. Os escores do CESD foram maiores do que o ponto de corte de 16 em ambos os grupos e os escores médios aumentaram durante o período pós-parto. CONCLUSãO: Durante o período pós-parto a qualidade de vida de gestantes com diabetes gestacional foi mais afetada negativamente do que gestantes saudáveis. Os sintomas depressivos de mulheres com diabetes gestacional e gravidez saudável foram elevados na gravidez e nos períodos pós-parto.

Attitudes of women with gestational diabetes toward diet and exercise: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: Gestational diabetes (GDM) refers to glucose intolerance of varying severity first occurring in pregnancy. Following a diagnosis of GDM, exercise and dietary modification has a positive effect on improving glycemic control. Lifestyle changes affected in pregnancies affected by GDM have beneficial effects on long-term health if continued following birth. In addition, the psychological impact of a diagnosis of GDM should not be overlooked. Reports of maternal stress, anxiety, and fear are commonly reported issues in the literature. Support, both socially and from health care professionals, is also linked with higher rates of success in GDM management. Research to date had focused on women's reaction to a diagnosis of GDM, their mood and quality of life following a diagnosis, and their knowledge or opinions on the management of GDM. This qualitative study explored the attitudes of women with GDM toward these lifestyle changes, specifically diet and exercise. Women were also asked to identify advice that would be useful for other women newly diagnosed with GDM. METHODS: With ethical approval a qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews which were examined using Thematic Analysis. Patients were invited to participate and gave written consent after a discussion with a study researcher. The question plan for semi-structured interviews was designed with the advice of patient advocates. Recurrent themes were developed until the saturation of data. RESULTS: Thirty-two women took part in the study. Time, convenience, and lack of educational awareness were common barriers to healthy eating and physical activity plans. Enablers for change included meal planning and organization. Women regarded their diets pre-diagnosis as healthy, with small "tweaks" (such as portion control) required to comply with recommendations. Another significant facilitator to change was support from the woman's partner. This also set a benchmark for plans of diet maintenance within the family structure after pregnancy. Unlike dietary changes, a consistent theme was that exercise was considered a "chore" in managing GDM and was unlikely to be continued in the long term. Practical advice offered by participants for other women with GDM included organization, realistic approaches, and lack of self-blame. CONCLUSION: Women reported that changes in diet would be more achievable in the long term than changes in exercise patterns. Partners and the clinical team were significant sources of support. Women's views are crucial to providing clinicians with a comprehensive and holistic understanding of disease management. Involving women in self-care decisions and empowering women to manage their own health are key contributors to long-term behavior change as well as service provision and policy implementation.

The single-item Self-Rated Mental Health Question in women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore whether the single-item Self-Rated Mental Health Question (SRMHQ) may be an indicator of the need for further mental health assessment and investigation in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHOD: Women with GDM (n = 159) were recruited from outpatient clinics in the Australian Capital Territory prior to a GDM information session (mean gestational age = 26, SD = 4.5). Participants were aged 20-45 (mean = 33, SD = 4.2) and completed a single-item Self-Rated Health Question (SRHQ), single-item Self-Rated Mental Health Question (SRMHQ), Kessler 10-item Psychological Distress Scale (K-10), and Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS), as well as demographic, psychiatric, and general health items. Multiple regression was used to explore whether there was an association between SRMHQ responses and K-10 or EDS total scores. RESULTS: Regression analysis revealed that the SRMHQ was a statistically significant predictor of K-10 and EDS total scores, while controlling for key potential confounders. When mental health was rated as "poor" compared to "excellent," this was associated with an additional 12 and 9 points on K-10 and EDS total scores, respectively. CONCLUSION: The SRMHQ may have a role as an indicator of the need for further mental health assessment and investigation in women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

The experience of women with recent gestational diabetes during the COVID-19 lockdown: a qualitative study from Denmark.

BACKGROUND: Following COVID-19 and the lockdowns, maternity care and support for women after delivery have been temporary restructured. Studies show that COVID-19 adversely impacts pregnant and peripartum women in the general population, but experiences among women in the first year after delivery/in the wider postpartum period remain unexplored. Moreover, experiences among women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are lacking; though it is a group with a potential high need for support after delivery. The aim of our study was to investigate (i) how women with recent GDM experienced COVID-19 and the first lockdown in Denmark, and (ii) the women's risk perception and health literacy in terms of interaction with the healthcare system in relation to COVID-19. METHODS: We performed a qualitative study among 11 women with recent GDM (infants aged 2-11 months old). Semi-structured interviews were conducted in April-May 2020 by telephone or Skype for Business, when Denmark was under lockdown. We analysed data using a thematic qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Three themes emerged: i) Everyday life and family well-being, ii) Worries about COVID-19 and iii) Health literacy: Health information and access to healthcare. The women were generally not worried about their own or their infant's risk of COVID-19. The lockdown had a negative impact on everyday life e.g. routines, loneliness, breastfeeding uncertainties and worries for the infant's social well-being; but better family dynamics were also described. It was challenging to maintain healthy behaviours and thus the women described worries for the risk of type 2 diabetes and GDM in subsequent pregnancies. The women missed peer support and face-to-face visits from health visitors and found it difficult to navigate the restructured care with online/telephone set-ups. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 and the lockdown affected everyday life among women with recent GDM both positively and negatively. Our findings suggest a need for care that are responsive to psychological and social aspects of health throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and support to limit worries about adaptation to motherhood and the infant's social well-being. Communication focusing on the importance and relevance of contacting healthcare providers should also be strengthened.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression in Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

AIM: The current systematic review aimed to present the pooled estimated prevalence and risk factors of PPD. BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression seriously affects the physical and mental health of the mother and child. However, high-quality meta-analysis is limited, which restricts the screening and intervention of postpartum depression. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were searched for cohort and case-control studies investigating the prevalence and risk factors of postpartum depression from inception to December 31st, 2020. Meta-analyses were performed to identify postpartum depression prevalence and risk factors using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Of the 33 citations evaluated, 27 reported the prevalence of postpartum depression in 33 separate study populations containing 133,313. SUBJECTS: Pooled prevalence in all studies was 14.0% (95%CI, 12.0%-15.0%). The prevalence varied according to country (from 5.0% to 26.32%) and developing countries, especially China, have a high prevalence of postpartum depression. The following risk factors were associated with postpartum depression: gestational diabetes mellitus(OR = 2.71, 95%CI 1.78-4.14, I2  = 0.0%), depression during pregnancy(OR = 2.40, 95%CI 1.96-2.93, I2  = 96.7%), pregnant women give birth to boys(OR = 1.62; 95%CI 1.28-2.05; I2  = 0.0%), history of depression during pregnancy(OR = 4.82, 95%CI 1.32-17.54, I2  = 74.9%), history of depression(OR = 3.09, 95%CI 1.62-5.93, I2  = 86.5%) and epidural anaesthesia during delivery(OR = .81, 95%CI .13-4.87, I2  = 90.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of postpartum depression seems to be high, especially in developing countries. Gestational diabetes mellitus, depression during pregnancy, pregnant women give birth to boys, history of depression during pregnancy, history of depression, epidural anaesthesia during delivery were identified as risk factors for postpartum depression. Understanding the risk factors of PPD can provide the healthcare personnel with the theoretical basis for the patients' management and treatment. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This systematic review and meta-analysis identified six significant risk factors for PPD, which provides nurses with a theoretical basis for managing and treating women with PPD to effectively improve the screening rate, intervention rate and referral rate of women with PPD.

The impact of prenatal depression and diabetes management self-efficacy on postpartum stress and depression in women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

AIMS: The study aimed to examine the impact of prenatal depression and diabetes management self-efficacy on postpartum stress and postpartum depression in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. BACKGROUND: Poor perinatal mental health is linked to various adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. DESIGNS: A predictive study design and the guidelines for the STROBE checklist were used for the study. METHODS: A total of 119 pregnant women with a positive 75 g-glucose challenge test were recruited at a medical centre. The Taiwanese depression questionnaire (TDQ), the diabetes management self-efficacy scale (DMSES) and the Hung postpartum stress scale (Hung PSS) were used for data collection at the 24th week of pregnancy and the first week after childbirth. RESULTS: Diabetes management self-efficacy was correlated with postpartum stress in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Moreover, prenatal depression was a predictor of postpartum stress and postpartum depression, respectively, in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare providers should assess those women's diabetes management self-efficacy and mood status during prenatal visits and offer the needed intervention to reduce the levels of postpartum stress and postpartum depression of those women after childbirth. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: A holistic care approach integrated diabetic care and mental health for women with gestational diabetes mellitus in a timely manner is warranted to promote perinatal mental health in women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Preference of Women for Gestational Diabetes Screening Method According to Tolerance of Tests and Population Characteristics.

Aims: To determine the preferred method of screening for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: 1804 women from a prospective study (NCT02036619) received a glucose challenge test (GCT) and 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between 24-28 weeks. Tolerance of screening tests and preference for screening strategy (two-step screening strategy with GCT compared to one-step screening strategy with OGTT) were evaluated by a self-designed questionnaire at the time of the GCT and OGTT. Results: Compared to women who preferred one-step screening [26.2% (472)], women who preferred two-step screening [46.3% (834)] were less often from a minor ethnic background [6.0% (50) vs. 10.7% (50), p=0.003], had less often a previous history of GDM [7.3% (29) vs. 13.8% (32), p=0.008], were less often overweight or obese [respectively 23.1% (50) vs. 24.8% (116), p<0.001 and 7.9% (66) vs. 18.2% (85), p<0.001], were less insulin resistant in early pregnancy (HOMA-IR 8.9 (6.4-12.3) vs. 9.9 (7.2-14.2), p<0.001], and pregnancy outcomes were similar except for fewer labor inductions and emergency cesarean sections [respectively 26.6% (198) vs. 32.5% (137), p=0.031 and 8.2% (68) vs. 13.0% (61), p=0.005]. Women who preferred two-step screening had more often complaints of the OGTT compared to women who preferred one-step screening [50.4% (420) vs. 40.3% (190), p<0.001]. Conclusions: A two-step GDM screening involving a GCT and subsequent OGTT is the preferred GDM screening strategy. Women with a more adverse metabolic profile preferred one-step screening with OGTT while women preferring two-step screening had a better metabolic profile and more discomfort of the OGTT. The preference for the GDM screening method is in line with the recommended Flemish modified two-step screening method, in which women at higher risk for GDM are recommended a one-step screening strategy with an OGTT, while women without these risk factors, are offered a two-step screening strategy with GCT. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT02036619 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02036619.

A comparative study of cumulative stress patterns within 14 days postpartum in healthy mothers and those with gestational diabetes: A prospective study.

ABSTRACT: Although the number of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is on the rise, only few studies have examined the cumulative stress associated with breastfeeding after childbirth. GDM mothers are susceptible to stress due to insulin resistance, and their level of stress is associated with breastfeeding. This study aimed to identify patterns of stress change over time in GDM mothers and healthy mothers and to identify the factors influencing those patterns.The participants of this study were mothers within 14 days after childbirth. The GDM group consisted of 32 mothers, and the healthy group comprised 30 mothers. Cumulative stress was measured in terms of heart rate variability, and linear mixed models were used to analyze changes over time.The cumulative stress of healthy mothers was about 8 points higher than that of mothers with GDM (t = -2.95, P = .005). The cumulative stress level was inversely associated with the mother's age (ß=-1.20, P = .018), the mother's weight (ß=-0.64, P = .008), and the baby's body mass index (ß=-3.09, P = .038). Furthermore, an insufficient amount of breast milk was associated with higher stress (ß=16.09, P = .007).GDM mothers and healthy mothers experienced different patterns of cumulative stress. Breastfeeding should be started quickly to promote health and stress reduction among mothers who are physically and psychologically vulnerable after childbirth.It is necessary to incorporate programs to promote breastfeeding considering stress levels at an appropriate time according to the mother's health condition.