A self-efficacy-enhancing physical activity intervention in women with high-risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common medical disorders in pregnancy. Evidence has demonstrated that moderate-intensity physical activity may reduce the risk of gestational diabetes. However, women at risk of GDM spend most of their time performing sedentary behaviors. Although researchers identified self-efficacy as a mediator to overcome physical activity barriers, exercise intervention during pregnancy based on self-efficacy theory has not been discussed so far. Furthermore, there is conflicting evidence regarding the effects of a physical exercise intervention on the incidence of GDM and other maternal or neonatal outcomes in women at higher risk for GDM. Methods/design A single-center, parallel, randomized controlled trial will be conducted in a maternal–child health care center. A total of 244 pregnant women at high risk for GDM will be randomized into a study group receiving a self-efficacy-enhancing physical activity intervention or a control group receiving the usual care. The intervention will consist of four group sessions and everyday reminders by WeChat (Tencent, Shenzhen, China). The program will begin at approximately 13–14+6 gestational weeks and end at 36+6 gestational weeks. The primary outcomes will include the incidence of GDM, blood sugar values, and physical activity. The secondary outcomes will include physical activity self-efficacy, gestational weight gain, maternal outcomes, and neonatal outcomes. Discussion The findings of this research will contribute toward understanding the effects of a self-efficacy theory-oriented physical activity program on the incidence of GDM, blood sugar values, physical activity level, gestational weight gain, physical activity self-efficacy, maternal outcomes, and neonatal outcomes. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (CHiCTR) ChiCTR2200056355. Registered on February 4, 2022.

Self-care educational guide for mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review on identifying self-care domains, approaches, and their effectiveness

“…It can also offer new approaches to nursing practices to improve patient care efficacy (Sleet & Dellinger, 2020 ). Self-efficacy also may assist patients or mothers with GDM in removing obstacles self-care and adhering to long-term health gains (Yang et al, 2022 ). Furthermore, good self-efficacy and self-care behaviors in GDM management can help prevent or delay the development of type II diabetes and lower the risk of developing maternal and neonatal type II diabetes in the future (Isa et al, 2017 ; Mensah et al, 2019 ).…”

Development and feasibility of a theory-guided and evidence-based physical activity intervention in pregnant women with high risk for gestational diabetes mellitus: a pilot clinical trial

“…This study was therefore conducted to develop, validate, and identify the feasibility and acceptability of a theory-guided, evidence-based, face-to-face and mHealth blended physical activity intervention in women with high risk for GDM in mainland China. The protocol of the self-efficacy-enhancing physical activity intervention in women with high-risk factors for GDM has been published elsewhere [ 39 ]. This study focused on the process of intervention protocol development and the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention protocol.…”