Beyond the individual: Socio‐ecological factors impacting activity after gestational diabetes mellitus

• DOI: 10.1111/dme.15286
• Publication Date: 2024-01-31T04:58:27Z
• Authors: Elysa Ioannou; Helen Humphreys; Catherine Homer; Alison Purvis
• Keywords: Intrapersonal communication; Thematic Analysis; Social ecological model

Abstract Aim The risk of Type 2 Diabetes is 10 times higher after a pregnancy with Gestational Diabetes. Physical activity can independently reduce this risk, yet engagement physical remains low Therefore, the present study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators uptake in United Kingdom, using socio‐ecological approach. Methods paper was written following Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research. Patient Public Involvement contributed study's conceptualisation design. Participants were recruited through an audit cases at local Teaching Hospital 2020. Twelve participants took part semi‐structured one‐to‐one interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis used generate themes iterative rounds refinement. final then organised model. Results all over 31 years old, predominantly self‐identified as White British employment but evenly spread across UK‐based deprivation deciles. Ten generated according four levels model: intrapersonal (beliefs about activity, recovering from birth), social (health care professionals, family partner, role mother), organisational (access cost, environment, childcare work) community (connecting women recent Diabetes). Conclusions Many amenable beyond level, based on model (social, community). Multi‐level interventions are needed effectively address barriers.