Perceived Barriers to Type 2 Diabetes Prevention for Low-Income Women With a History of Gestational Diabetes: A Qualitative Secondary Data Analysis

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Taniqua T Ingol, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus; Jennifer Kue, The Ohio State University, Columbus; Elizabeth J Conrey, Ohio Department of Health, Columbus; Reena Oza-Frank, Ohio Department of Health, Columbus; Mary Weber, Emory University; Julie K Bower, The Ohio State University, Columbus
• Language: English
• Date: 2020-06-01
• Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2020 The Author(s).
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0145721720920255
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: DIABETES EDUCATOR
• Volume: 46
• Issue: 3
• Start Page: 271
• End Page: 278
• Keywords: OBESITY; PROGRESSION; MELLITUS; BREAST-FEEDING INITIATION; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Science & Technology; RISK; Endocrinology & Metabolism; LACTATION; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health; LIFE-STYLE INTERVENTION

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine perceived barriers to adoption of lifestyle changes for type 2 diabetes prevention among a diverse group of low-income women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: A secondary data analysis of 10 semistructured focus group discussions was conducted. Participants were low-income African American, Hispanic, and Appalachian women ages 18 to 45 years who were diagnosed with GDM in the past 10 years. A qualitative content analysis was conducted to identify key themes that emerged within and between groups. Results: Four key themes emerged on the role of knowledge, affordability, accessibility, and social support in type 2 diabetes prevention. Women discussed a lack of awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding and type 2 diabetes prevention, inaccessibility of resources in their local communities to help them engage in lifestyle change, and the desire for more culturally relevant education on healthful food options and proper portion sizes. Discussion: Study findings suggests that to improve effectiveness of type 2 diabetes prevention efforts among low-income women with GDM history, health care providers and public health practitioners should avoid using “one-size-fits-all” approaches to lifestyle change and instead use tailored interventions that address the cultural and environmental factors that impact women’s ability to engage in recommended behavior change.