Bridging the gap: Understanding pregnant women's preferences and perceived benefits of an mHealth app for GDM self-management (Preprint)

Abstract

Self-care and healthy lifestyle changes for adequate glycemic control are essential tasks to prevent short and long-term complications for pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Mobile health (mHealth) solutions to deliver healthcare services and support pregnant women's self-management are rising. Yet, concerns have been raised on the real-world design and implementation of mHealth applications for pregnant women from diverse cultural backgrounds, and digital literacy levels.

The aims of this study were (1) to explore the challenges in complying and adhering to GDM self-management regimens for women from diverse backgrounds; and (2) women’s perceptions of the benefits and the possible contribution mHealth apps may provide in addressing the challenges they experience.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted on pregnant women diagnosed with GDM in a diabetes-in-pregnancy clinic located in Israel’s northern periphery. A content analysis method was used to analyze and interpretant the data, and code it into themes.

A total of 24 pregnant women diagnosed with GDM participated in the study. Of the 24 women, 18 (75%) were Jewish, 5 (21%) were Muslims, and 1 (4%) was Christian. Four main themes were derived from the interviews: (1) GDM self-management challenges (2) Cultural and religious conflicts (3) Experience with the use of digital technologies (4) Desirable features.

Pregnant women perceive mHealth may be beneficial and a part of their routine healthcare if it integrates customized and desirable features and functions that address their unique needs and preferences. Addressing these gaps may enhance their GDM self-management and skills.