The experiences of prepregnancy care for women with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A meta-synthesis

Rita Forde*, Evridiki E Patelarou, Angus Forbes

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

34 Citations (Scopus)
217 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is one of the most common medical conditions affecting pregnancy and is associated with a number of adverse fetal, infant, and maternal outcomes. These adverse outcomes can be avoided or minimized with appropriate prepregnancy care (PPC). However, the uptake of PPC is limited in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The reasons for poor uptake are multifactorial, reflecting both women’s understanding of pregnancy risks, and limitations in care delivery. Methods: A systematic literature review with meta-synthesis was undertaken to identify qualitative studies exploring experiences of PPC for women with T2DM incorporating the views of women with T2DM and health care professionals (HCPs). Identified studies included were synthesized in a meta-ethnography to develop an understanding of the elements contributing to the uptake of PPC among women with T2DM. Results: The systematic review identified seven studies yielding data from 28 women with T2DM and 83 HCPs. The following six third-order constructs were identified from the synthesis: understanding PPC, emotive catalysts, beliefs about reproduction among women with T2DM, relationships and social factors, HCP behaviors and perspectives, and health care system factors. These constructs were used to develop a multifactorial model expressing the interactive issues that shape the reproductive health-seeking behaviors of women with T2DM to identify potential areas for intervention. Conclusion: The uptake of PPC among women with T2DM seems to be informed by their personal orientation to their reproductive needs, their interactions with HCPs, and system-level influences. Future interventions to enhance PPC uptake need to address these underlying issues.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)691-703
Number of pages13
JournalInternational Journal of Women's Health
Volume8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 8 Dec 2016

Keywords

  • Contraception
  • Lived-experience
  • Meta-ethnography
  • Patient education
  • Pre-conception counseling
  • Systematic literature
  • Women’s health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The experiences of prepregnancy care for women with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A meta-synthesis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this