Satisfaction with diagnosis process for gestational diabetes mellitus and risk perception among Australian women

Rebecca F Goldstein; Melanie E Gibson-Helm; Jacqueline A Boyle; Helena J Teede

doi:10.1016/j.ijgo.2014.10.033

Satisfaction with diagnosis process for gestational diabetes mellitus and risk perception among Australian women

Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2015 Apr;129(1):46-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2014.10.033. Epub 2015 Jan 6.

Authors

Rebecca F Goldstein¹, Melanie E Gibson-Helm², Jacqueline A Boyle², Helena J Teede³

Affiliations

¹ Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Diabetes and Vascular Medicine Unit, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
² Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
³ Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Diabetes and Vascular Medicine Unit, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. Electronic address: helena.teede@monash.edu.

PMID: 25595322
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2014.10.033

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate satisfaction with diagnosis, risk perceptions, and health beliefs among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods: In a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study, participants with GDM diagnosed after 26weeks of pregnancy were recruited from hospital-based services at Monash Health (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) and through newspaper advertisements between 2008 and 2010. Eligible participants-aged at least 18years and able to read English-completed a questionnaire.

Results: Among 46 women who completed the questionnaire, 38 (83%) were satisfied with the explanation of the GDM screening test and 31 (67%) felt that the results were explained well. Generally, women were satisfied with the information provided about lifestyle management (29 [81%] of 36) and medical therapy (26 [72%] of 36). Most women (41 [89%]) associated poor GDM control with perinatal complications. Additionally, many participants thought that insulin (35 [76%]) and lifestyle changes (30 [65%]) could reduce macrosomia. A total of 37 (82%) of 45 women perceived that they were at risk of future GDM, and 33 (73%) thought they had an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Most women believed that they could change these risks (29 [64%] and 37 [82%] of 45, respectively).

Conclusion: Women were largely positive about their experience of GDM diagnosis. Explanation of the screening test and provision of information could be improved. Risk perception was reasonable.

Keywords: Diagnosis; Gestational diabetes; Risk perception; Satisfaction.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adult
Australia
Cross-Sectional Studies
Diabetes, Gestational / diagnosis*
Diabetes, Gestational / psychology*
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Humans
Patient Satisfaction / statistics & numerical data*
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications / psychology
Prenatal Diagnosis / psychology*
Risk
Surveys and Questionnaires