SHBC1245

S.H.TEO¹, I.P.QUEK¹, K.L.TEH¹, Y.F.WONG¹, Q.C.T.CHANG¹, N.D.SHAFIE¹, W.E.TANG¹ 

National Healthcare Group Polyclinics¹ 

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) affects about 21% of pregnancies locally. Women with GDM history have a seven-fold lifetime risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Postpartum lifestyle intervention has been shown to reduce this risk, but there is a lack of relevant information locally. We sought to gather the views of women with GDM history to design health education materials for postpartum GDM care.

Fourteen women with GDM history within three years before study enrolment were conveniently sampled. Four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted between October 2019 and January 2020. Participants discussed their experiences with postpartum support and expectations for postpartum GDM care materials. Participants then co-created their ideal health education materials based on a given set of resources with the researchers. The FGDs were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data saturation was attained. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis.

The mean age of participants was 34 years old. Participants discussed their concerns and knowledge gaps in postpartum GDM care, indicated their preferred platform and period to receive the health information, and provided suggestions on the design and contents to improve the understandability, relevance and appropriateness of the materials. An information brochure covering postpartum T2DM screening, components of a healthy diet and exercise, maternal mental well-being and support helplines was developed.

This co-creation process offered the opportunity for women with GDM history to be actively involved in the development of postpartum GDM health education materials that are aligned with their knowledge needs in postpartum self-management and T2DM prevention.