Get started
Work

Women's views about online communities for gestational diabetes mellitus: A qualitative interview study

Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: PROBLEM AND BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common medical complication of pregnancy, and the emerging evidence demonstrates how GDM online communities have a positive impact on promoting self-management and improving outcomes. Further analysis of such groups can increase understanding of how peer support in GDM online communities is enabled and enacted. AIM: To examine women's experiences of GDM online communities on Facebook, their motivations for participation, and perceptions of dynamics within the community. METHODS: Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with 28 participants, recruited from an online survey posted in two self-organised Australian GDM Facebook groups. RESULTS: From our thematic analysis of the interview data, four themes were identified from participants' views about GDM online communities: 'A safe community' encapsulated a desire to be connected with others having similar experiences in a non-judgmental space; 'A supportive and informative group' concerned the need for, and giving of, support, and gaining knowledge; 'An adjunct to healthcare' referred to participants' use of GDM online communities to inform their healthcare experiences; and 'A waiting room' reflected participants' continued involvement in GDM online communities, in part due to future uncertainty. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our findings affirm the value of GDM online communities on Facebook for community, support and information. GDM online communities serve as an adjunct to formal healthcare, augmenting clinic-based appointments and clinical management of GDM, encouraging informed decision-making and self-advocacy. We highlight how, in such spaces, women collaboratively navigate self-management and healthcare.
Source: Midwifery
DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2024.104280
Language: English
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,300
OpenAlex ID: W4405925481
FWCI: 1.61
Cites: 33
Cited by: 3
Related to: 10