Objective: The study aimed to explore the influence of Chinese culture and customs on the beliefs and health-related behaviours of Chinese women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
Methods: This descriptive qualitative study conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 Chinese women between November 2022 and January 2023. The interview data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Results: Three major themes are found: (1) beliefs in health, (2) beliefs in illness and GDM and (3) beliefs in health-related behaviours. They worried about the negative effects of GDM on the infant and family, so they actively sought medical advice to maintain health. However, it is challenging for them to balance adhering to healthcare professionals' advice and avoiding practical difficulties in the impact of the Chinese sociocultural context.
Conclusion: This study emphasizes the influence of Chinese culture and customs on the beliefs and health-related behaviours of women with GDM. Healthcare providers should recognize the influence of Chinese culture, customs and beliefs on women with GDM and their families, in order to provide individualized education to help them maintain health-related behaviours.
Keywords: beliefs; diabetes mellitus; gestational; health-related behaviour; qualitative study.
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