Social Cognitive Theory Variables and Stages of Change for Physical Activity and Diet in South Asian vs. Caucasian Women Diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Canadian data show that gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is more prevalent in South Asian (SA) women and is associated with higher risk of future diabetes. Lifestyle interventions including physical activity and diet modification are recommended for management of GDM and preventing future diabetes. The objective of this study was to examine differences in social cognitive variables and readiness to engage in physical activity and diet modification between pregnant SA and Caucasian women with GDM, using data from a multi-centre observational study from Ontario, Canada. Our study found that SA women were less likely to engage in moderate-vigorous physical activity (9.5% vs. 20.3%, p<0.001) compared to Caucasian women. However, SA women were more likely to be in the planning stage of becoming physically active (31.3% vs. 21.5%, p<0.001), but had lower self-efficacy (p<0.001) for exercise compared to Caucasian women. In regards to diet modification, SA women were less likely to eat the recommended intake of vegetables (58.3% vs. 75.5%, p<0.001), were less likely be in the action stage of change (62% vs. 75.4%. p<0.001), had lower selfefficacy (p<0.001) but higher social support (p<0.001) compared to Caucasian women. SA women also exhibited a greater extrinsic motivation for healthy living compared to Caucasian women (p¼0.04). Findings suggest that SA women with GDM are less likely to engage in lifestyle modification, which may be exacerbated by lower self-efficacy. However, SA women had greater social support and extrinsic motivation. These factors can be incorporated into culturally sensitive interventions for diabetes prevention for this ethnic group.