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Table 3 Summary of publications from 1989-2012 describing attitudes of women with GDM

From: Women with gestational diabetes in Vietnam: a qualitative study to determine attitudes and health behaviours

 

Location/Study population/controls

Total n

Study methodology

Main findings

Spirito 1989 [20]

Rhode Island, USA. Diabetes in Pregnancy Program. 68 GDM and 50 controls

118

45 min semi structured interview and self completed Profile of Mood States-Bipolar Form

No significant difference in emotional state of women with GDM or controls.

Lawson, 1994 [21]

Recently diagnosed GDM in Kentucky, USA

17

Interviews: once prenatally and once post partum

Most women experienced fear, anxiety and depression following diagnosis. Diet posed multiple difficulties and challenges. Respondents reported experimenting with different foods and primary concern being fetal wellbeing.

Sjogren 1994 [22]

Sweden. 113 post partum women who had GDM and 226 controls

339

Self completed questionnaire after pregnancy

Women with GDM reported poorer well-being, increased worry, decreased psychic health and energy. No difference in breast-feeding rates between groups.

Langer 1994 [23]

San Antionio, Tx USA. 206 GDM and 95 controls in a low socioeconomic area.

301

Self administered Profile of Mood States- Bipolar Form

GDM does not adversely contribute to emotional state.

Rumbold 2002 [24]

Adelaide Australia. Women surveyed prior to being screened for GDM, after the screening test when results were known and around 36 weeks gestation. 25 GDM, 184 controls

209

Self-administered questionnaire Spielberger State-Trait anxiety inventory, Edinburgh Post Natal Depression score and SF-36 health status.

No differences in anxiety or depression scores were found after screening or later in pregnancy between those screening positive or negative. Women screening negative had better health perceptions than those screening positive, however differences not evident later in pregnancy.

Hjelm 2005 [25]

Specialist diabetes in pregnancy clinic in Lund Sweden, 13 women born in Sweden and 14 in Middle East

27

Semi structured interviews

Negative feelings and worries when informed about diagnosis. All women concerned about health of baby. Women from Middle East knew less about causes and consequences of GDM

Evans 2005 [26]

Diabetic outpatient clinic, Western Canada

12

In depth interviews, twice in pregnancy and once 6-8 weeks postpartum.

Main theme of ‘living a controlled pregnancy’. Women acknowledged their role in controlling their diabetes for the sake of their baby, but found it very difficult at times. Although they recognised the adverse effects, many perceived the experience as beneficial. Their knowledge about pregnancy, body and diet perceived as empowering.

Hjelm, 2008 [27]

A specialist diabetes clinic and specialist midwifery clinic in Lund, Sweden

23

Semi structured interviews

Negative feelings around diagnosis. Recommended that more information be provided immediately after diagnosis of GDM and continually reinforced.

Daniells 2003 [28]

Wollongong, Australia.56 women with GDM and 50 controls.

106

Self-completed questionnaire Mental Health Inventory (MHI-5) and Speilberger state-trait anxiety inventory administered at diagnosis, 36 weeks and 6 weeks post partum.

Few differences in mental health and anxiety measures between the groups. At time of diagnosis GDM women reported significantly greater psychological distress on the MHI-5 and state anxiety scores. These scores similar by 36 weeks and postpartum.

Collier 2011 [17]

Atlanta, USA. Women who had had a pregnancy affected by GDM (54 women) or pre-existing DM (35 women) in the last 4 years

89

Focus groups

Barriers to management of GDM included financial, access to care, barriers to physical activity and diet, information barriers. Participants reported feeling alone and overwhelmed by diabetes requirements. Lack of knowledge in GDM group about effects on long term health

Bandyopadhyay 2011 [18]

Melbourne, Australia. 17 immigrant women from South Asia

17

In depth interviews

Fear, shock and distress with diagnosis. Difficulties adapting to dietary advice as too general. Concern that restricted diet would affect baby’s growth. Restriction of key traditional foods. Paramount concerns for the baby. Fear of injecting insulin