Pregnant women's knowledge about the prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have been steadily increasing over the last two decades ( Ferrara, 2007 ). A diagnosis of GDM has major implications for a woman's pregnancy and care management. At the same time, a healthy lifestyle and diet may significantly reduce the risk of GDM in pregnancy. Aim: This study explores the ‘knowledge’ of at-risk pregnant women about the role of lifestyle and diet in the prevention of GDM. Setting: A large hospital that provides secondary-level medical care as well as having a large midwifery group practice in Australia. Methods: The methodology used for this study is qualitative and was informed by phenomenology. A purposive sample of six women over 30 years old participated in a conversational interview using an interview guide. Results: Transcripts were analysed thematically and four broad themes emerged from the study: knowledge of GDM; effect of GDM on mother and baby; diet and exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle; and prevention of GDM. These findings indicated a range of gaps in the women's understanding of how lifestyle and diet can reduce the risk of GDM. Gaps included misconceptions about the cause of GDM, an incomplete understanding of lifestyle risk factors, limited awareness of the effect GDM has on mother and baby, incomplete knowledge of a healthy diet, inconsistent views of recommended physical activity and frequency, and limited understanding of GDM preventative measures. Conclusion: The lack of dietary and lifestyle knowledge demonstrated in this study may suggest that women need more appropriate health information on diet and exercise during their antenatal care.