Barriers and facilitators of self-monitoring of blood glucose engagement among women with gestational diabetes mellitus in China: A mixed-methods study

Abstract

BackgroundSelf-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is a crucial tool for maintaining glycemic control in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, to date, little is known about the current status of SMBG engagement among women with GDM in China. ObjectiveTo describe the current status of SMBG engagement among women with GDM in China and identify its barriers and facilitators. Design and settingA mixed-methods design was conducted, comprising a cross-sectional survey and semi-structured interviews. The research data were collected in two tertiary hospitals in Hunan province, China. ParticipantsA total of 323 women with GDM completed the survey from March 2018 to October 2018, and 11 of them participated in the interviews. FindingIn total, 35.6% of the participants actively engaged in SMBG. The participants who had an advanced maternal age (95% CI 0.253–0.947), did not own glucose meters (95% CI 0.054–0.364), did not receive SMBG-related information from health professionals (95% CI 0.232–.987), or received less SMBG information in general (95% CI 0.137–0.52) were less likely to engage in SMBG. Insufficient SMBG information and low awareness of SMBG were also summarized as the main barriers in the interview findings. Facilitators of SMBG engagement included SMBG-related social support (95% CI 1.573–6.135) and health concerns related to themselves and the unborn infant. ConclusionAbout one-third of Chinese women with GDM engaged in SMBG. An accurate and complete description of how SMBG should be performed is needed from health professionals. Strategies to obtain more SMBG-related social support and a greater emphasis on health concerns are recommended to increase SMBG engagement among women with GDM in China.