Improving experiences of gestational diabetes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Multimedia messaging to reduce diabetes-related stigma for women with gestational diabetes mellitus
IRAS ID
335366
Contact name
Angus Forbes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 31 days
Research summary
Background
Stigma is a negative judgement leading to exclusion, rejection, or blame, associated with something (such as diabetes). It can come from the public, partners/family, healthcare professionals, or be felt by the person themself. Stigma may lead people to be less likely to care for their own health, or cause feelings of loneliness, anxiety, or depression. People who develop diabetes in pregnancy (gestational diabetes mellitus, or GDM) can experience stigma.A previous review of studies showed that women experienced negative stereotyping such as ‘being lazy’, having ‘poor eating habits’ and ‘lack of willpower’. Women experienced stigma from healthcare professionals and from their partners, families, and friends. We have spoken with over 100 women with GDM. In addition to the findings above, our research indicated that the impacts of these experiences continued past pregnancy and had the potential to negatively impact mental and physical wellbeing. 50% of women who experience GDM will develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years
This study aims to work with women with experience of GDM and healthcare professionals to create anti-stigma interventions (films/animations and communication tools).
The two-year study will be conducted in two stages:
Stage 1. Identify stigma sources
We will run ten interactive groups: for women with current or previous GDM, for partners, friends and for family members of women with GDM, for diabetes specialist and for non-diabetes specialist healthcare professionals. We will identify potential participants online (UK-based) and from two London hospitals. These groups will explore language and situations that trigger stigma and identify ways to manage these.Stage 2. Co-produce anti-stigma resources
In groups of women with GDM, partners, friends, family members and healthcare professionals we will work with a storyteller and animator to co-produce multi-media resources, including short impact films/animations that challenge stigmatising language and stereotypes, and communication tools for healthcare professionals.REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/EE/0128
Date of REC Opinion
20 May 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion