The impact of prenatal depression and diabetes management self‐efficacy on postpartum stress and depression in women with gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Aims The study aimed to examine the impact of prenatal depression and diabetes management self‐efficacy on postpartum stress and postpartum depression in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Background Poor perinatal mental health is linked to various adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Designs A predictive study design and the guidelines for the STROBE checklist were used for the study. Methods A total of 119 pregnant women with a positive 75 g‐glucose challenge test were recruited at a medical centre. The Taiwanese depression questionnaire (TDQ), the diabetes management self‐efficacy scale (DMSES) and the Hung postpartum stress scale (Hung PSS) were used for data collection at the 24th week of pregnancy and the first week after childbirth. Results Diabetes management self‐efficacy was correlated with postpartum stress in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Moreover, prenatal depression was a predictor of postpartum stress and postpartum depression, respectively, in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Conclusions Healthcare providers should assess those women's diabetes management self‐efficacy and mood status during prenatal visits and offer the needed intervention to reduce the levels of postpartum stress and postpartum depression of those women after childbirth. Relevance to clinical practice A holistic care approach integrated diabetic care and mental health for women with gestational diabetes mellitus in a timely manner is warranted to promote perinatal mental health in women with gestational diabetes mellitus.