Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2025
A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Postpartum women's experiences in a randomized controlled trial of a web-based lifestyle intervention following
Christine E Horn1, Ellen W Seely1,2, Sue E Levkoff3
1Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
Introduction:
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with an increased maternal risk for the development of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). We previously demonstrated in a randomized trial that a web-based postpartum lifestyle intervention program, Balance After Baby, increased weight loss among postpartum women with recent pregnancies complicated by GDM. The aim of this analysis is to identify the impact of the intervention on study participants as assessed by exit interviews after completion of the 12 month study.
Methods:
We conducted structured exit interviews created with a concurrent-contextual design with subjects randomized to the intervention group at the conclusion of their participation (∼12 months) in the Balance After Baby study, with the objectives of 1) understanding the impact of the intervention on participants and their family members, 2) identifying which program components were most and least helpful, and 3) identifying the perceived best timing for diabetes prevention interventions in postpartum women with recent GDM.
Results:
Seventy-nine percent (26/33) of eligible intervention participants participated in interviews. Participants noted changes in diet and physical activity as a result of the intervention. Several components of the intervention, particularly the online modules and support from the lifestyle coach, were perceived by intervention participants to have had a positive effect on personal and familial lifestyle change, while other components were less utilized, including the community forum, YMCA memberships, and pedometers. Nearly all participants felt that the timing in the intervention study, beginning about 6 weeks postpartum, was ideal.
Discussion:
Results of this study identify the importance of individualized coaching, impact on family members, and demonstrate that postpartum women feel ready to make changes by 6 weeks postpartum. Findings from this study will help inform the development of future technologically-based lifestyle interventions for postpartum women with recent GDM.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
01:22Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
01:22Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
01:16Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
01:29Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include: