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Tschirhart H, Landeen J, Yost J, Nerenberg KA, Sherifali D. The Examination and Exploration of Diabetes Distress in Pre-existing Diabetes in Pregnancy: A Mixed-methods Study. Can J Diabetes 2024; 48:281-289.e2. [PMID: 38492737 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2024.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Diabetes distress (DD) has been understudied in the pregnancy population. Pregnancy is known to be a complex, highly stressful time for women with diabetes because of medical risks and the high burden of diabetes management. Our aim in this study was to explain and understand DD in women with pre-existing diabetes in pregnancy. METHODS An explanatory, sequential mixed-methods study was undertaken. The first strand consisted of a cross-sectional study of 76 women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. A nested sampling approach was used to re-recruit 18 women back into the second strand for qualitative interviews using an interpretive description approach. RESULTS DD was measured by the validated Problem Area in Diabetes (PAID) scale. A PAID score of ≥40 was positive for distress. DD prevalence was 22.4% in the cross-sectional cohort and the average PAID score was 27.75 (standard deviation 16.08). In the qualitative strand, women with a range of PAID scores (10.0 to 60.0) were sampled for interviews. The majority of these participants described themes of DD in their interviews. Of the 15 women who described DD thematically, only 6 had positive PAID scores. CONCLUSIONS Integration of the mixed-methods data underscores important meta-inferences about DD in pregnancy, namely that DD was present to a greater degree than the PAID tool is sensitive to. DD was present qualitatively in most of the qualitative sample, despite interviewing women with a range of PAID scores. Future research on a pregnancy-specific DD scale is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Tschirhart
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Janet Landeen
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Yost
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Kara A Nerenberg
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Diana Sherifali
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Tschirhart H, Landeen J, Yost J, Nerenberg KA, Sherifali D. Perceptions of diabetes distress during pregnancy in women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes: a qualitative interpretive description study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:232. [PMID: 38570742 PMCID: PMC10988880 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06370-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes distress is commonly seen in adults with pre-existing diabetes and is associated with worsened glycemic management and self-management practices. While a majority of women report increased stress during pregnancy, it is unknown how women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes experience diabetes distress during this unique and transitional time. PURPOSE This study aimed to understand the experiences and perceptions of diabetes distress in women with pre-existing diabetes during pregnancy. METHODS A qualitative study using an interpretive description approach was conducted. In-depth, one to one interviewing was used to capture rich descriptions of the pregnancy experience. Nested, stratified, and theoretical sampling was used to recruit 18 participants with type 1 and type 2 diabetes from the quantitative strand of this mixed methods study. Constant comparative analysis was used to inductively analyze the data and develop themes. FINDINGS Four themes, each with several subthemes, emerged under the main finding of "Diabetes Distress": 1) Worry for Baby's Health - "What's this going to do to the baby?"' 2) Feeling Overwhelmed with Diabetes Management-"It just seemed unattainable"; 3) Living with Diabetes - "There's no way out" and 4) Cycle of Diabetes Distress. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this study identify the sources and experiences of diabetes distress during pregnancy in women with pre-existing diabetes. Diabetes distress often presents as cyclical and multifaceted during pregnancy, with elements of fear for the unborn baby, difficulties with diabetes management, and having negative lived experiences of diabetes. Further work is needed to develop appropriate screening tools for pregnancy and interventions to mitigate diabetes distress. Diabetes educators are well-positioned provide emotional support and person-centred self-management education to individuals with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Tschirhart
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
| | - Janet Landeen
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Jennifer Yost
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kara A Nerenberg
- Departments of Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Diana Sherifali
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
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Roddy J, McGowan L. What are the childbearing experiences of women with type 1 diabetes? A scoping review of qualitative literature. Midwifery 2024; 128:103884. [PMID: 37984081 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2023.103884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
PROBLEM Type 1 diabetes is associated with the risk of adverse outcomes for mother and baby. BACKGROUND How pregnant people adapt to the challenges of type 1 diabetes and engage with healthcare professionals can affect how likely they will be to maintain good glycaemic control. Therefore, it is important to understand the childbearing and care experiences of women with type 1 diabetes. AIM To examine contemporary literature describing the childbearing experiences of women with type 1 diabetes over the last decade. METHOD The review follows 5 stages of Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review framework. Four databases were searched for English language publications 2012-2023 using indexed terms and Boolean operators. 64 studies were retrieved, 10 included in the review. Braun and Clarke's thematic synthesis process was used to collate findings. FINDINGS Five key themes emerged: 1. Glycaemic control dominates the childbearing journey, 2. Emphasis on risk, 3. Importance of social and peer support, 4. Care organisation, systems, and communication, 5. The impact of technology on the childbearing experience. CONCLUSION Based on lived experiences, women with type 1 diabetes value being treated as partners in their care by health professionals providing medical and midwifery services. Peer and social support from family, friends and the diabetes community can bring comfort and reassurance in a perceived 'medicalised' childbearing journey. Further research is needed on the impact of the use of type 1 diabetes technologies on childbearing experiences and how peer support can be incorporated into current care provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Roddy
- Consultant Midwife Health Equity, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, England, UK.
| | - Linda McGowan
- Professor of Applied Health Research, School of Healthcare, University of Leeds, England, UK
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Haines AJ, Mackenzie L, Honey A, Middleton PG. Occupations and balance during the transition to motherhood with a lifetime chronic illness: A scoping review examining cystic fibrosis, asthma, and Type-1 diabetes. Aust Occup Ther J 2023; 70:730-744. [PMID: 37524324 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1630.12899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Throughout the transition to motherhood, changes are experienced across a woman's physical, mental, social, and occupational self. Maternal chronic illness adds the complexity of increased healthcare needs and navigating a high-risk, medicalised pregnancy, birth, and post-natal period. Literature concerning motherhood transitions in chronic illness generally focusses on the mother's medical health and pregnancy outcomes; little is known about the impacts on women's occupations, balance, and quality of life. Understanding these issues may help support women in a more tailored and holistic way. OBJECTIVE This scoping review aims to gather, analyse, and synthesise existing empirical research on occupational engagement and occupational balance as they impact on wellbeing and quality of life in women with a lifetime chronic illness before and during pregnancy and in early motherhood. METHOD The review follows the nine-stage framework described in the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis (2020). Five databases were searched: Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, and OT Seeker. Data were extracted and examined via content analysis, described in narrative synthesis, summarised into a conceptual framework, and tabulated. FINDINGS A total of 8,655 papers were discovered on initial search. Following title and abstract screening, 220 full-text studies were assessed for eligibility, and 46 papers were finally included. Analysis generated four major themes: The Disrupted Transition Journey; Adaptation, Compromise and Choice; Outcomes; and Drawing on What's Available. The themes were conceptualised into a framework to explain how women sought to balance motherhood and illness-related occupations. Adequate access to information, social support, expert care, and financial resources improved both quality of life and healthcare compliance. CONCLUSION Findings of this scoping review deepen the understanding of occupational balance during the transition to motherhood in the context of lifetime chronic illness. Healthcare providers and supportive family and friends can use this knowledge to adapt their approach to assisting women with chronic illness on the motherhood journey. These findings may also inform further inquiry into the scope of occupational therapy practice with this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Jane Haines
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lynette Mackenzie
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anne Honey
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter G Middleton
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Investigation and Treatment of Respiratory Infections in Children and Adults, Westmead Campus, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
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Hammarberg K, Stocker R, Romero L, Fisher J. Pregnancy planning health information and service needs of women with chronic non-communicable conditions: a systematic review and narrative synthesis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:236. [PMID: 35317730 PMCID: PMC8941766 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04498-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Preparing for pregnancy and being in the best possible health before conception improves reproductive outcomes. For women living with a chronic non-communicable disease (NCD), pregnancy planning is essential to allow optimal disease control in preparation for pregnancy. Aim The aim was to review the literature relating to the pregnancy planning health information and service needs of women with NCDs. Method The MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Emcare (Ovid), PsycINFO (Ovid), CINAHL and Scopus databases were searched. Studies were included if they were published in peer-reviewed English language journals between January 2010 and June 2020 and reported on the pregnancy planning health information and service needs of women with rheumatic diseases, asthma, cystic fibrosis, depression and/or anxiety, type 1 diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, or multiple sclerosis. Risk of bias was assessed using QualSyst. The characteristics of the studies were tabulated and summarised. Key findings of the included studies were analysed thematically using an inductive approach, where the study findings determined the themes. Findings are reported in a narrative synthesis. Results The database searches yielded 8291 results, of which 4304 remained after duplicates were removed. After abstract screening 104 full-text papers were reviewed. Of these 15 met inclusion criteria and were included in analysis. The narrative synthesis of the included studies revealed six themes: ‘Women with chronic conditions have unmet preconception health information needs’, ‘Women with chronic conditions want personalised preconception health information’, ‘Preferred sources of preconception health information’, ‘Learning from the experiences of other women’, ‘Improving preconception health discussions with health care professionals’, and ‘Women want holistic care’. These themes were consistent across all studies, highlighting the similarity of experiences and needs of women with different chronic conditions. Conclusion To improve pregnancy outcomes for women living with NCDs, health care providers need to ask women of reproductive age proactively and routinely about their pregnancy intentions and provide them with personalised advice on how to avoid unplanned pregnancy and be in optimal health when they wish to conceive. PROSPERO registration number CRD42020176308. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-04498-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Hammarberg
- Global and Women's Health, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Ruby Stocker
- Global and Women's Health, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lorena Romero
- The Ian Potter Library, The Alfred, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jane Fisher
- Global and Women's Health, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Bäckström C, Carlén K, Larsson V, Mårtensson LB, Thorstensson S, Berglund M, Larsson T, Bouwmeester B, Wilhsson M, Larsson M. Expecting parents’ use of digital sources in preparation for parenthood in a digitalised society – a systematic review. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221090335. [PMID: 35449713 PMCID: PMC9016606 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221090335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In today's society, people are experiencing the rapid development of
digitalisation. Expecting parents may have difficulties evaluating the
information online; they are not always sure which sources of information
are trustworthy, and this exacerbates their feelings of anxiety. More
research is needed to broaden the knowledge about how their use of digital
sources may influence their health. Question The focus of this study was to explore expecting parents’ use of digital
sources and how this influences their health during pregnancy. Methods A systematic review covered the thematic analysis of 39 articles. Findings The analysis resulted in the following theme: The digitalised society
involves both opportunities and challenges, and expecting parents
express a need for a variety of digital sources to improve their
health, and sub-themes: Digital sources could promote
parents’ health and well-being in a digitalised society;
Consuming digital health information facilitates understanding,
different feelings and social connections; and A
variety of digital sources may facilitate parental identification and
adaption to parenthood. Conclusion Different digital sources in our digitalised society mean access to
information and opportunities to extend social connections for expecting
parents. This can promote their ability to understand and adapt to
parenthood, as well as to improve their health and well-being and make the
parental transition. However, professional support during face-to-face
consultations cannot always be exchanged to digital sources. It is important
to base digital sources devoted to expecting parents and digitalisation
overall on multi-sectorial collaborations and coordination between different
organisations and the digital sources they provide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lena Birgitta Mårtensson
- School of Health Sciences, University of Skövde, Sweden
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, Faculty of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Australia
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Scime NV, Lee S, Jain M, Metcalfe A, Chaput KH. A Scoping Review of Breastfeeding in Women with Chronic Diseases. Breastfeed Med 2021; 16:851-862. [PMID: 34319788 DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2021.0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: Approximately 10-20% of mothers have a chronic disease. Studies on breastfeeding in women with chronic disease span multiple disciplines, and these have not been collated to synthesize knowledge and identify gaps. The objective of this review was to summarize published literature on breastfeeding in women with chronic disease. Methods: We conducted a scoping review of original research and systematic reviews identified in Medline, EMBASE, and CINAHL (1990-2019) and by hand searching on women with chronic diseases reporting on at least one breastfeeding-related topic. Conference abstracts, case-studies, and studies on pregnancy-induced conditions or lactation pharmacology were excluded. Content analysis and narrative synthesis were used to analyze findings. Results: We identified 128 articles that were predominantly quantitative (80.5%), conducted in Europe or North America (65.6%), analyzed sample sizes of <200 (57.0%), and published from 2010 onward (68.8%). Diabetes (42.2%), multiple sclerosis (MS; 19.5%), and epilepsy (13.3%) were the most common diseases studied. Breastfeeding was a primary focus in approximately half (53.1%) of the articles, though definitions were infrequently reported (32.8%). The most-studied topics were breastfeeding duration/exclusivity (55.7%), reasons for feeding behavior (19.1%), and knowledge and attitudes about breastfeeding (18.3%). Less studied topics (<10% of articles each) included milk expression behaviors, breastfeeding difficulties, and feeding supports. Conclusions: Existing literature focuses primarily on diabetes or MS, and breastfeeding behaviors and outcomes. Further research examining a broader range of chronic diseases, with large sample sizes, and sufficient breastfeeding measurement detail can improve our understanding of breastfeeding disparities in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie V Scime
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Sangmin Lee
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Mandakini Jain
- Undergraduate Medical Education Program, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Amy Metcalfe
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Undergraduate Medical Education Program, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Kathleen H Chaput
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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Perceptions and Behaviors Related to Contraceptive Use in the Postpartum Period Among Women With Pregestational Diabetes Mellitus. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2020; 49:154-166. [PMID: 31951814 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogn.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe perceptions and behaviors related to contraception and preconception care and to test the association between these perceptions and contraceptive use in the postpartum period among women with pregestational diabetes mellitus. DESIGN Cross-sectional, descriptive survey. SETTING Three high-risk obstetric clinics in the Southeastern United States. PARTICIPANTS Fifty-five women who were 18 years or older with pregestational Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS Between 4 and 8 weeks after birth, we used investigator-developed items and psychometrically validated scales to measure participants' perceptions and behaviors related to contraception and preconception care. We dichotomized use of contraception in the postpartum period as procedure/prescription or nonprescription/no method. We used multiple logistic regression to test the hypothesis that perceptions are associated with contraceptive use. RESULTS When data were collected 4 to 8 weeks after birth, almost half (49%, n = 27) of the participants had resumed sexual activity; however, most (95%, n = 52) did not want another pregnancy in the next 18 months. Fifty-six percent (n = 31) of participants used procedure/prescription contraception, and 44% (n = 24) used nonprescription/no method. Those who perceived contraception use and preconception care to be beneficial were more likely to use procedure/prescription contraception (adjusted odds ratio = 1.52; 95% confidence interval [1.07, 2.17]). CONCLUSION When caring for women in the postpartum period, providers should be mindful that women's perceptions of the benefits of contraception and preconception care may have implications for whether their use aligns with their reproductive goals and optimizes outcomes for future pregnancies.
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Carlsson IM, Berg M, Adolfsson A, Sparud-Lundin C. Reprioritizing life: a conceptual model of how women with type 1 diabetes deal with main concerns in early motherhood. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2018; 12:1394147. [PMID: 29092688 PMCID: PMC5678444 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2017.1394147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Becoming a mother is related to increased demands for women with type 1 diabetes mellitus, and more research is needed to identify their needs for support in everyday living. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the main concerns in daily life in early motherhood for women with type 1 diabetes and how they deal with these concerns. Method: A grounded theory study was conducted in which 14 women with type 1 diabetes were interviewed individually 7 to 17 months after childbirth. Results: A conceptual model was identified with the core category “reprioritizing life”, and three related categories: adjusting to motherhood, taking command of the diabetes, and seeking like-minded women. Becoming a mother was a turning point towards a greater awareness and acceptance of prioritizing diabetes management and health, and thus, life. There was a gap in provision of diabetes care after birth and during the time of early motherhood compared with during pregnancy. Conclusions: Healthcare contacts already planned before delivery can promote person-centred care during the whole period from pregnancy to motherhood. Moreover, providing alternative sources for health information and peer support could improve the life situation during early motherhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ing-Marie Carlsson
- a School of Health and Welfare, Department of Health and Nursing , Halmstad University , Halmstad , Sweden
| | - Marie Berg
- b Centre for Person-Centered Care (GPCC) , Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden.,c Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Sahlgrenska University Hospital , Gothenburg , Sweden
| | | | - Carina Sparud-Lundin
- b Centre for Person-Centered Care (GPCC) , Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden
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Berg M, Linden K, Adolfsson A, Sparud Lundin C, Ranerup A. Web-Based Intervention for Women With Type 1 Diabetes in Pregnancy and Early Motherhood: Critical Analysis of Adherence to Technological Elements and Study Design. J Med Internet Res 2018; 20:e160. [PMID: 29720365 PMCID: PMC5956162 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.9665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Numerous Web-based interventions have been implemented to promote health and health-related behaviors in persons with chronic conditions. Using randomized controlled trials to evaluate such interventions creates a range of challenges, which in turn can influence the study outcome. Applying a critical perspective when evaluating Web-based health interventions is important. Objective The objective of this study was to critically analyze and discuss the challenges of conducting a Web-based health intervention as a randomized controlled trial. Method The MODIAB-Web study was critically examined using an exploratory case study methodology and the framework for analysis offered through the Persuasive Systems Design model. Focus was on technology, study design, and Web-based support usage, with special focus on the forum for peer support. Descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis were used. Results The persuasive content and technological elements in the design of the randomized controlled trial included all four categories of the Persuasive Systems Design model, but not all design principles were implemented. The study duration was extended to a period of four and a half years. Of 81 active participants in the intervention group, a maximum of 36 women were simultaneously active. User adherence varied greatly with a median of 91 individual log-ins. The forum for peer support was used by 63 participants. Although only about one-third of the participants interacted in the forum, there was a fairly rich exchange of experiences and advice between them. Thus, adherence in terms of social interactions was negatively affected by limited active participation due to prolonged recruitment process and randomization effects. Lessons learned from this critical analysis are that technology and study design matter and might mutually influence each other. In Web-based interventions, the use of design theories enables utilization of the full potential of technology and promotes adherence. The randomization element in a randomized controlled trial design can become a barrier to achieving a critical mass of user interactions in Web-based interventions, especially when social support is included. For extended study periods, the technology used may need to be adapted in line with newly available technical options to avoid the risk of becoming outdated in the user realm, which in turn might jeopardize study validity in terms of randomized controlled trial designs. Conclusions On the basis of lessons learned in this randomized controlled trial, we give recommendations to consider when designing and evaluating Web-based health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Berg
- Centre for Person-Centred Care (GPCC), Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karolina Linden
- Centre for Person-Centred Care (GPCC), Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Carina Sparud Lundin
- Centre for Person-Centred Care (GPCC), Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Agneta Ranerup
- Department of Applied Information Technology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Well-being, diabetes management and breastfeeding in mothers with type 1 diabetes – An explorative analysis. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2018; 15:77-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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