Background
Women with a history of gestational diabetes (GDM) have a 70% lifetime risk of progressing to Type 2 diabetes. Currently there is one diabetes prevention program in Victoria and in South Australia but neither is designed to specifically meet the needs of this high risk group through delivery of a program with a family focus. The MAGDA intervention study has been developed to investigate the effectiveness of a diabetes prevention program tailored to the needs of post-GDM mothers with young families.
Objective
To evaluate the feasibility of the MAGDA intervention within a group of post-GDM women.
Method
An expert multidisciplinary panel developed materials around the needs of post-GDM women using validated goals of the Greater Green Triangle-Diabetes Prevention Program study and the HAPA (Health Action Process Approach) model of behaviour change and risk identification. Nine participants took part in the feasibility study, which consisted of a home visit by the facilitator to discuss individual risk and provide information about the program and five subsequent two hour group sessions at fortnightly intervals focussing on the program goals to reduce weight, total fat, saturated fat plus increase fibre and physical activity.
Results
Participants were positive about the content, structure and resources used and highly satisfied that it met their needs as mothers of young babies. There were no drop-outs from the program. Some sessions were missed but all sessions had at least 6 participants. Session non-attendance did not equate to participant drop-out as there were genuine reasons for non-attendance (overseas travel and illness).
Conclusion
The pilot demonstrated feasibility within this participant group. The evaluation of the pilot informed minor program amendments which have been incorporated into the MAGDA study, currently being conducted in 3 hospital sites in Victoria and South Australia.
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