
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Razee, Husna 
A1  - P. van der Ploeg, Hidde 
A1  - Blignault, Ilse 
A1  - J. Smith, Ben 
A1  - E. Bauman, Adrian 
A1  - McLean, Mark 
A1  - Wah Cheung, N. 
T1  - Beliefs, barriers, social support, and environmental influences related to diabetes risk behaviours among women with a history of gestational diabetes
JF  - Health Promotion Journal of Australia
JO  - Health Promot J Aust
Y1  - 2010
VL  - 21
IS  - 2
SP  - 130
EP  - 137
KW  - 
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1071/HE10130 
N2  - Issue addressed: Women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes; this risk is higher in non-Caucasian women. This study explored the beliefs, attitudes, social support, environmental influences and other factors related to diabetes risk behaviours among Arabic, Cantonese/Mandarin, and English speaking women with recent GDM. Methods: Women living in the Sydney metropolitan area (Australia) who had GDM 6?36 months previously were included. In-depth semi-structured telephone interviews on women?s experiences and perceptions of GDM and the lifestyle risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes were conducted in the language participants spoke at home (n=20 Arabic, 20 Cantonese/Mandarin, 17 English). Data were analysed for underlying themes using NVivo software. Results: Mental distress, role perceptions, social support and cultural expectations were major issues related to women?s struggles to find the right balance between the large proportion of household and child care responsibilities and leading a healthy lifestyle. Conclusion: Women?s ability to follow a healthy lifestyle is embedded in their psychological wellbeing and the social and cultural context of their lives. The study highlights the need for a holistic approach that ensures personal support and access to services as well as lifestyle specific programs. Key words: gestational diabetes mellitus, health promotion, ethnicity, diabetes prevention, physical activity, nutrition, obesity, qualitative research. 
ER  -

