title: Women's experiences of factors that facilitate or inhibit gestational diabetes self-management.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Gestational diabetes rates have increased dramatically in the past two decades and this pattern of increase appears to relate primarily to the obesity epidemic, older maternal age and migration from world areas of high GDM risk. Women from disadvantaged and migrant backgrounds are most at risk of developing and of mismanaging this condition. The aim of the study was to explore the factors that facilitated or inhibited gestational diabetes self-management among women in a socially deprived area.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen pregnant women, with a diagnosis of gestational diabetes, were purposively recruited for this study. Qualitative semi structured interviews and 1 focus group were conducted when participants were approximately 28-38 weeks gestation. The study's theoretical framework was based on interpretative phenomenology and data was analysed using a thematic analysis approach.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Women in this study identified a number of factors that complicated their task of GDM self-management. Barriers included: (1) time pressures; (2) physical constraints; (3) social constraints; (4) limited comprehension of requirements, and (5) insulin as an easier option. Factors facilitating GDM self-management included: thinking about the baby and psychological support from partners and families.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Women from low socio economic and migrant backgrounds often struggle to comprehend GDM self-management requirements. To improve adherence to management plans, these women require educational and supportive services that are culturally appropriate and aimed at a low level of literacy.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, St Alban's Campus, Victoria University, PO Box 14228, Melbourne 8001, Australia. Mary.carolan@vu.edu.au
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Carolan
authors.forename: Gurjeet K
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Gill
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Steele
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D015190:Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring / Q000523:psychology; D016640:Diabetes, Gestational / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004035:Diet Therapy / Q000523:psychology; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007328:Insulin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third / Q000523:psychology; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012307:Risk Factors; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D013997:Time Factors; D035862:Vulnerable Populations / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin