EXPERIENCES OF PREGNANT WOMEN WITH GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS IN PHETCHABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

Aims: This qualitative research aims to describe experiences of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Phetchaburi province focused on their perceptions and lifestyles.

Methods: The hermeneutic phenomenological is used as the research methodology framework. The semi structured in depth interviews was conducted on acquiring experiences of pregnant women with GDM. The sample is chosen using purposive sampling and the acquired clarity and saturation of data to generate the sample of 20. All pregnant women’ rights were protected. Data collections are done during October December 2013. The content analysis is conducted after each in depth interview.

Results: The pregnant women, aged 19 34 (50%) and 35 40 (45%), the incidents of GDM comprised of A1 and A2. The GDM A1 was found among 70% of pregnant women in this study. The treatments given to GDM A1 were dietary control and exercise. Meanwhile, 30% of those suffering from GDM A2 are treated using dietary control, exercise and insulin injection. Content analysis focused on their perceptions with GDM revealed 2 themes: 1) Feelings of fear, concern, stress because of mental unpreparedness to deal with GDM related to insulin injection, self blood sampling, fright of possible threats towards their baby and themselves, and 2) Awareness of their proneness to GDM because some of their family members are diabetes patients. The content analysis concerning lifestyles of pregnant women with GDM revealed 5 issues: 1) Dietary patterns among those who able and unable to achieve blood sugar control were different; 2) the family support benefits effort on blood sugar control of pregnant women with GDM; 3) the adherence to religion, faith, and belief in their unborn baby; 4) Tolerant to insulin injection for their baby; and 5) failure of exercise to improve the metabolism because poor exercise guidance and correct knowledge.

Conclusions: The research result present the broader perspectives for health personnel to provide care for pregnant women with GDM and family for promoting self care ability and engagement of family. The improvement of practical exercise guidance and the multidisciplinary care team comprising physicians, nurses, nutritionists and physical therapists to a pregnant woman should also be focused.