Abstract
<p dir="ltr"><b>Background. </b>Individuals who have gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are advised to engage in physical activity and healthy eating behaviors in the postpartum period to prevent type 2 diabetes. We aimed to understand individual perspectives on incorporating such lifestyle choices during the first postpartum year.</p><p dir="ltr"><b>Methods. </b>This was a mixed-methods analysis of data from individuals with GDM who completed surveys and in-depth interviews at 4–12 weeks and 11–13 months postpartum as part of their participation in a feasibility randomized controlled trial on postpartum patient navigation. Participant attitudes were elicited with surveys (structured items with Likert-scale responses) and interviews that focused on barriers to postpartum type 2 diabetes prevention. We used a concurrent, triangulation design to jointly analyze survey data alongside interview data.</p><p dir="ltr"><b>Results. </b>Of 40 participants, 39 provided data about their type 2 diabetes prevention activities. Interview themes triangulated with survey results to yield consistent insights about attitudes regarding physical activity and healthy eating. The majority of participants reported that caring for a new baby and family responsibilities made it much harder to be physically active; fewer participants identified cost of exercise, accessing a safe area to exercise, or breastfeeding as barriers. The most common barriers to healthy eating included caring for a new baby, family responsibilities, and work/school schedules. Although proximity and transportation to healthy food sources were uncommon barriers, when they did occur, they were experienced as major burdens.</p><p dir="ltr"><b>Conclusion. </b>Individuals who had GDM reported many barriers to implementing recommended postpartum lifestyle choices. Recognizing these unique needs may enhance provision of guidance for type 2 diabetes prevention postpartum.</p>
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