Beta Testing of a Gestational Diabetes Risk Reduction Intervention for American Indian and Alaska Native Teens

American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) girls have double the risk of obesity, pregnancy, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) than the general U.S.

The purpose of this study was to beta test Stopping GDM (SGDM), a GDM risk reduction intervention for at-risk AIAN teens, before beginning a randomized controlled trial.

A sample of 11 AIAN mothers and daughters were recruited through an urban Indian health program. Daughters were at risk of GDM as assessed by a BMI ≥ 85th percentile. Pre- and posttest online questionnaires evaluated the online intervention (e-book and video).

Mean pre- to posttest knowledge increased for mothers and daughters on diabetes prevention, reproductive health, and GDM knowledge. Daughters demonstrated an increased self-efficacy for healthy living and pregnancy planning. Satisfaction for the e-book, video, and online survey was moderately high to very high.

The SGDM intervention is feasible and acceptable in AIAN mother-daughter dyads. These findings informed the SGDM intervention and the randomized controlled trial evaluation protocol.