822-P: Awareness, Knowledge, and Health Beliefs of American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) Girls and Their Mothers Regarding Risk Reduction of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)

Abstract

AIAN women have a higher risk for GDM and subsequently type 2 diabetes (T2D) than non-AIAN white females. We adapted a validated diabetes preconception counseling (PC) program for AIAN girls at high risk for GDM and their mothers. This paper presents preliminary baseline data, prior to the intervention, of both the girls and their mothers enrolled in an RCT to evaluate changes in GDM risk-reduction awareness, knowledge, health beliefs and behaviors after the Stopping GDM intervention. Data were collected using a dyadic model; both AIAN girls and their AIAN mothers (adult female caregiver) participated. These findings are on 27 mother (M) - daughter (D) dyads (n=54) from 2 of 4 sites (Southwestern U.S.). D (ages 12-24 years) were at risk for GDM as defined by BMI ≥85thpercentile or family history of T2D, and did not have diabetes (HbA1c < 6.5%). M’s mean (±SD) age was 41.3±14.1 years and 56% (n=15) had at least some college education; D’s mean age was 16.3±2.9 years and 89% were students. M and D completed online questionnaires separately on awareness, knowledge and health beliefs regarding GDM and reproductive health and healthy lifestyle. One open-ended question on awareness of GDM revealed that participants were unaware of GDM or the daughters’ risks. Mean pre-intervention knowledge scores were low for both M and D on diabetes prevention (M: 76.4+14.3, range=54-100%; D: 58.2+12.4, range=27-82%) and reproductive health and GDM knowledge (M: 67.2+11.2, range=46-85%; D: 35.0+18.3, range=0-62%). D had moderate levels of self-efficacy for healthy living (53.2±14.6) and pregnancy planning (86.4±22.6). Most Ds reported no communication with healthcare professionals (HCP) or their Ms regarding GDM or PC [(with HCP=15%; 8%, respectively), (with M= 15%; 4%,)]. Both AIAN mothers and daughters lacked awareness and knowledge of the girl’s risk for developing GDM. Developing culturally relevant PC programs could help decrease these risks. Disclosure D. Charron-Prochownik: None. S.M. Sereika: None. S.A. Stotz: None. A.F. Fischl: None. N. O'Banion: None. J. Powell: None. M.L. Aspaas: None. S. Goudeau: None. S.J. Thorkelson: None. S. Beirne: None. K.R. Moore: None. Funding National Institute of Nursing Research (1R01NR014831-01A1)