Gestational diabetes: women’s concerns, mood state, quality of life and treatment satisfaction

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this observational cohort study was to explore concerns, mood state, quality of life (QoL) and treatment satisfaction of women treated for gestational diabetes (GDM). Methods:Twenty-seven diet-treated and 18 insulin-treated women participated in a semi-structured interview and completed a series of three different questionnaires. Results: Qualitative analysis identified “the baby’s health” as dominant concern, but also as main motivational treatment factor. Treatment satisfaction was generally high and further increased, whereas QoL and mood state significantly dropped over time. Conclusions: Acknowledgment of women’s concerns and precise information may improve treatment compliance and outcome.

Keywords::

• Gestational diabetes
• quality of life
• treatment satisfaction
• compliance

Acknowledgement

We sincerely thank Prof. Clare Bradley, Director of Health Psychology Research, University of London, for the provision of the German version of the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ), her encouragement and comprehensive support.

Declaration of Interests: The authors report no declaration of interest.