Beliefs, barriers, social support, and environmental influences related to diabetes risk behaviours among women with a history of gestational diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
Women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes; this risk is higher in non-Caucasian women. This study explored the beliefs, attitudes, social support, environmental influences and other factors related to diabetes risk behaviours among Arabic, Cantonese/Mandarin, and English speaking women with recent GDM.


METHODS
Women living in the Sydney metropolitan area (Australia) who had GDM 6-36 months previously were included. In-depth semi-structured telephone interviews on women's experiences and perceptions of GDM and the lifestyle risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes were conducted in the language participants spoke at home (n=20 Arabic, 20 Cantonese/Mandarin, 17 English). Data were analysed for underlying themes using NVivo software.


RESULTS
Mental distress, role perceptions, social support and cultural expectations were major issues related to women's struggles to find the right balance between the large proportion of household and child care responsibilities and leading a healthy lifestyle.


CONCLUSIONS
Women's ability to follow a healthy lifestyle is embedded in their psychological wellbeing and the social and cultural context of their lives. The study highlights the need for a holistic approach that ensures personal support and access to services as well as lifestyle specific programs.
Razee
Husna
H
School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales.
van der Ploeg
Hidde P
HP
Blignault
Ilse
I
Smith
Ben J
BJ
Bauman
Adrian E
AE
McLean
Mark
M
Wah Cheung
N
N
D000328:Adult; D001208:Asia / Q000208:ethnology; D003469:Culture; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016640:Diabetes, Gestational / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008603:Mental Health; D009517:New South Wales; D011247:Pregnancy; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012529:Saudi Arabia / Q000208:ethnology; D012944:Social Support