Poster Presentation Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australia and New Zealand and Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society Joint Scientific Meeting 2017

The Healthcare Experience for Women with Gestational Diabetes from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds (#126)

Rachel T McGrath 1 2 3 , Darshika J Christie-David 4 , Meenakshi Chopra 5 , Jeremy Hoang 6 , Lyn Olivetti 7 , Michelle de Vroome 8 , Gregory R Fulcher 1 2 7 , Sarah J Glastras 1 2 3
  1. Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
  2. Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  3. Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  4. Northern Beaches Health Services, Manly, NSW, Australia
  5. Multicultural Health Services, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
  6. Hornsby Hospital, Hornsby, NSW, Australia
  7. Chronic and Complex Medicine Network, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
  8. Maternal, Neonatal and Women’s Health Network, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, NSW, Australia

Introduction: Women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds are at high risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). While the cornerstone of GDM management comprises dietary and lifestyle advice, it is unclear whether current GDM education is appropriate and relevant for CALD women.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the healthcare experiences of women with GDM of Chinese, Indian and Korean ethnicity (identified as the leading GDM-CALD groups in our Local Health District) with the experiences of Caucasian Australian-born women with GDM who were attending antenatal clinics at Royal North Shore, Manly and Hornsby Hospitals for GDM management.

Methods: Women were invited to complete a questionnaire between 32-36 weeks’ gestation on GDM self-management, cultural aspects of diet, and experience with the healthcare system.

Results: 75 women participated, 40 from CALD backgrounds (19 women from China, 16 from India and 5 from Korea) and 35 from Australian backgrounds. The mean ± SD maternal age was 34 ± 5 years, gestational age at GDM diagnosis was 24.9 ± 6 weeks and gestational age at questionnaire completion was 33.6 ± 2.5 weeks. Compared to Australian-born women, significantly more CALD women reported self-identity with culturally representative food (p < 0.0001), and a desire for more information on relevant foods appropriate to eat during pregnancy (p < 0.0001). In addition, fewer CALD women felt confident in asking healthcare providers about their GDM treatment (p = 0.002), to repeat information (p = 0.001) or in stating that they did not understand information provided to them (p = 0.009).

Conclusions: The healthcare experience for women with GDM from CALD backgrounds is less optimal than for Australian-born counterparts. Provision of culturally relevant and appropriate diabetes education and dietary information may improve the experiences of women with GDM from CALD backgrounds.