Psychosocial needs of inpatient women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a qualitative study

ABSTRACT

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common medical complications associated with pregnancy. Its treatment requires multidisciplinary cooperation, and identifying the psychosocial needs of patients is important in the management of their condition.

Objective

This study investigates the psychosocial needs of inpatient mothers with GDM from the joint perspectives of future mothers and healthcare providers.

Methods

This qualitative study used a content analysis approach. Semi-structured individual interviews focusing on the psychosocial needs of women with GDM were conducted with twelve women suffering from GDM and eight medical staff. Sampling continued until data saturation.

Results

According to the findings of this study, the psychosocial needs of these mothers were classified into the following categories: Support for worries related to the consequences of the disease, Interpersonal support, Infrastructural support, educational support.

Conclusion

The psychosocial needs of inpatient mothers with GDM were identified in this study. Attention to these needs can help enhance the mother’s satisfaction and treatment adherence, and reduce worries and anxiety during hospitalisation.

Abbreviations

GDM: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus; hPGH: human placental growth hormone; COREQ: Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research; WHO: World Health Organization; HCP: healthcare provider.

KEYWORDS:

• Gestational diabetes mellitus
• psychosocial factors
• social support
• hospitalisation
• women’s health

Author contributions

SHF and NJ conceptualized the study. SHF, NJ, MI, MN, MZ and RH developed the study design. SHF collected the data. SHF, NJ, and RH analyzed and interpreted the data. SHF drafted the manuscript. RH, MI, MZ, and NJ revised the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This article was part of a PhD dissertation of the first author in midwifery, which was financially supported by Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in Iran with code of ethics: IR.AJUMS.REC.1399.231 and project number: RHPRC-9914.