Perspectives on the psychological and emotional burden of having gestational diabetes amongst low-income women in Cape Town, South Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) may affect women's mental wellbeing, functioning and quality of life, with potentially negative effects on treatment adherence. Identifying and addressing the psychological and emotional needs of women with GDM, could have benefits for sustainable long-term behavioural change following the affected pregnancy. This study explored the lived experiences of women with GDM and the impact of GDM on their experience of pregnancy and sense of well-being.

Methods

Purposive sampling was used to recruit women who had been diagnosed with GDM in their previous pregnancy and received antenatal care at a tertiary hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. This was a descriptive qualitative study using a combination of focus groups a

SUBMITTER: Muhwava LS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7552378 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature