Socio-cultural Aspects of Self-Management in Gestational Diabetes

Authors

Dhuha Youssef Wazqar, The University of Western Ontario
Marilyn K. Evans, The University of Western Ontario

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2012

Journal

Journal of Diabetes Nursing

Volume

16

Issue

2

First Page

62

Last Page

67

Abstract

Extensive research has been conducted into diabetes self-management; however, there is a significant knowledge gap relating to the socio-cultural factors that may affect self-management of women with gestational diabetes (GD). Such understanding may inform culturally sensitive interventions and educational programmes to improve self-management. The purpose of this secondary qualitative analysis, therefore, was to gain an understanding of the socio-cultural factors pertaining to pregnant women’s experience of diabetes self-management. The findings reveal that socio-cultural and family factors, family unity, social expectations, and knowledge and understanding about GD were important elements of diabetes self-management practices for pregnant Canadian women. Focusing attention on socio-cultural aspects in self-management in diabetes educational programmes may well be central to improving the health of women with GD. Further research is needed to consider how best to eliminate the subject of social stigma associated with GD.