Effects of a postnatal care program on self-efficacy, self-management, and glycemic control in women with gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Purpose: To examine effects of a postnatal care program on self-efficacy, self-management, and glycemic control in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: A non-equivalent control group non-synchronized quasi-experimental design was used. Sixty-two women with GDM were enrolled and assigned to either an experimental group (n=30) or a control group (n=32). The experimental group received an intervention which was postnatal care program for women with GDM. The postnatal care program for GDM included an individual education with leaflet and mobile web-based video with three times of telephone counseling. Effects of the intervention were measured with self-efficacy, self-management questionnaire, and a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (75g OGTT). Statistical significance was examined using independent t-test and x2-test. Results: Although there was no significant difference in 75g OGTT (x2=.11, p=.748) or self-management (t=-1.28, p=.206), there was a statistically significant increase in self-efficacy (t=-2.02, p=.048) in the experimental group compared to that in the control group. Conclusion: A postnatal care program is needed for women with GDM to improve their self-efficacy. Further studies are warranted to improve self-management and glycemic control through tailored education for GDM postpartum women.