Attitude and confidence in managing pre-existing type 2 diabetes mellitus during pregnancy among Thai women

Authors

Ratchanok Phonyiam, Ramathibodi School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, ThailandFollow
Chiao-Hsin Teng, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
Catherine S. Sullivan, Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute Gillings School of Global Public Health University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
Aunchalee E.L. Palmquist, Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, United States
Eric A. Hodges, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Nursing, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
Yamnia I. Cortés, The University of Iowa College of Nursing, Iowa City, Iowa, United States
Marianne Baernholdt, University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States

Abstract

Background: The trend of rising T2DM prevalence is more pronounced in females and is of particular concern for pregnancy. The rate has jumped from 0.7% to 1.5% of all pregnancies over the past 14 years. Additionally, pregnancies affected by T2DM have higher rates of abortion and perinatal mortality compared to those with type 1 diabetes mellitus and gestational diabetes mellitus. The objective of the study was to explore the attitudes and confidence in managing T2DM among Thai women during pregnancy.

Methods: This qualitative study was a part of a parent study using a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. A purposive sampling was used. Inclusion criteria included pregnant women aged 20 to 44 years, diagnosed with T2DM, and able to communicate in Thai. A total of 12 Thai pregnant women with T2DM, with an average age of about 34 years old, and whose pregnancies spanned from 7 to 38 weeks of gestation. Directed content analysis was used for qualitative data analysis.

Results: Twelve interviews were completed. Four main themes were identified: 1) attitudes toward diabetes self-management, 2) confidence toward diabetes self-management in pregnancy, 3) varied paths to pregnancy: planned vs. unplanned conception, and 4) navigating adjustments of diabetes self-management in pregnancy.

Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of enhancing preconception care and tailoring diabetes management guidance to align with cultural contexts. Supporting pregnant women with diabetes requires a comprehensive approach that incorporates behavioral, sociocultural, and systemic healthcare considerations.

Keywords: Attitude, Confidence, Pregnant Women, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Recommended Citation

Phonyiam R, Teng C, Sullivan C, et al. Attitude and confidence in managing pre-existing type 2 diabetes mellitus during pregnancy among Thai women. J Health Res. 2025; 39(6):-. DOI: https://doi.org/10.56808/2586-940X.1171

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