Self-reported barriers in self-management of women with gestational diabetes: A systematic review of qualitative studies

Abstract

Aim: To provide a systematic review of the qualitative literature on self-reported barriers to self-management in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Design: Systematic review. Methods: This systematic review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute meta-aggregation approach and was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research. Qualitative studies on the barriers to self-management among GDM pregnancy survivors conducted until 17 May 2022, were searched. Results: A total of 30 studies were included, of which seven were in Chinese and 23 were in English, and 10 findings resulted in three themes: (a) Knowledge and belief, (b) Skills and abilities and (c) Environment and social support. By summarizing the self-reported barriers to self-management in patients with GDM and recommends precise interventions for these barriers, thereby saving health resources and helping to increase their willingness and ability to engage in self-management.