The challenges pregnant women faced in daily life living with gestational diabetes mellitus: A qualitative study in Thai Binh province

Abstract

This study aims to describe the challenges pregnant women faced in daily life living with gestational diabetes mellitus. It employs a qualitative research method involving 21 pregnant women with gestational diabetes residing in Thai Binh province. The study reveals several key findings: Among the 21 participants, most experience significant challenges living with gestational diabetes, including difficulties related to dietary changes (14/21 participants), challenges in managing their personal health care schedule, reluctance to "engage" with healthcare professionals, difficulty accessing specialized care for gestational diabetes mellitus, and not receiving "sufficient" counseling from healthcare providers. Based on these challenges, there is a need to enhance the capabilities of healthcare professionals and intensify educational programs to improve self care practices among pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus.