Postpartum
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common medical complication of pregnancy. Women affected are at increased risk of future diabetes. mHealth (mobile health e.g., health apps) can facilitate health and lifestyle modifications to decrease this risk.
However, limited information on health app usage and desired app features among women with prior GDM, nor healthcare professionals exist.
An explorative cross-sectional survey was developed and tested online. The survey was disseminated through social media and the National Diabetes Services Scheme between Nov 2022 – Mar 2023, targeting women who have experienced GDM and to healthcare professionals (HCPs) working in GDM across Australia in the last 5 years.
Patients are willing to use health apps to support their health aims following GDM
98% of the women who had experienced GDM had health aims post pregnancy.
Currently, only 18% of the women use a health app to help them achieve their aims.
Of those who don’t use a health app currently, 67% of women would be motivated to use a health app if recommended by their healthcare provider.
People who use health apps said that useful apps include tracking capabilities for:
- Diet
- Exercise
- Blood glucose
- Weight
People who don’t currently use health apps said that useful health apps would provide information on:
- Weight loss plans
- Healthy eating plans
- Diabetes prevention information
Healthcare providers support health apps, but have difficulty recommending reputable apps
53% of healthcare providers supported the use of health apps.
14% of healthcare providers had recommended apps to women post gestational diabetes.
Of healthcare providers who did not recommend health apps, 73% did not know of any reputable apps.
Healthcare providers support the extension of M♡THer for use postpartum
Interviews with healthcare providers revealed the following common themes:
- Currently, women are left abandoned following GDM. An app to support women post-partum could fill the gap.
- The app should be simple and provide quality health information. It should also include reminders for diabetes testing post-partum.
- Women need to have ownership of their health information
- Support structures for women with GDM need to consider the integration of mobile health platforms.
What do these results mean for the implementation of digital health measures postpartum?
A health app is likely to be a well-received option to facilitate healthy behaviours after GDM when guided by a healthcare provider. Healthcare providers will need evidence-based knowledge to support recommendations for suitable health apps.