Husband’s support when wife has gestonial diabetes mellitus: A qualitative study

Abstract

The study was conducted with the objective of describing the role of husbands in supporting their wives with gestational diabetes (GDM). Qualitative study with in-depth ethnographic interviews conducted on 21 women diagnosed with GDM living in Thai Binh province. The results showed that most pregnant women received support from their husbands when they have GDM. That support could be divided into 3 main areas including emotional support (14/21 pregnant women); physical support (15/21 pregnant women); and looking for information about GDM (6/21 pregnant women). Some women were touched by their husbands’ support, while other women expressed a desire for more support from their husbands. Therefore, it is necessary to systematize
pregnancy care, facilitate and promote the participation of husbands, and enhance the role of social support for women during pregnancy, especially women with GDM.