| Summary: | Introduction
The number of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)
has increased worldwide. GDM is a known risk factor for pregnant mothers and their fetuses
that may increase various complications and health concerns. Nutrition and physical
activity (PA) counseling during pregnancy can be crucial in supporting pregnant women
to adopt healthier lifestyle practices and reducing these risks. This study describes public
health nurses’ (PHNs) experiences of nutrition and PA counseling and their assessments
on how to develop the counseling for pregnant women with GDM.
Methods
This is a descriptive qualitative study containing theme-interviews of 11 PHNs
working in an antenatal maternity care setting. The data were analyzed using inductive
content analysis.
Results
Five main themes were identified related to PHNs’ experiences and assessment
of nutrition and PA counseling for pregnant women with GDM: competency of nutrition
and PA counseling, challenges of counseling, positive experiences of counseling, printed
material, and counseling practices. PHNs considered nutrition and PA counseling both
challenging and rewarding. There was lack of knowledge and skills to provide proper
counseling and adequate material to support versatile counseling.
Conclusions
Material related to nutrition and PA counseling should be updated and
standardized. PHNs need further training to improve knowledge in the area of diet and
exercise.
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