Development and validation of gestational diabetes dietary psychological evaluation scale

The primary objective of this study is to develop and validate a dietary psychological evaluation scale tailored specifically for GDM in pregnant women. The goal is to facilitate individualized nutrition interventions by considering both psychological and physical factors that may influence the progression of diabetes during pregnancy.

A scale was developed by combining clinical practice and theory. A pre-test was conducted for item selection, as well as to assess the representativeness and independence of all items. We also assessed reliability. A pilot test was conducted to assess validity.

In the end, 41 items were selected, and 4 domains were determined: worry, positive experience, negative experience, and stress. Cronbach α values for each domain (0.560-0.869) were acceptable, except for the stress domain. The results of factor analysis (χ²/df = 2.36, GFI = 0.908, AGFI = 0.898, NFI = 0.854, RFI = 0.782, CFI = 0.882, RMSEA = 0.059) indicated a good fit with the theoretical model. The norm values for this dietary psychological evaluation were determined.

The reliability and validity of the scale were satisfactory. This scale can be used to evaluate the psychological status of patients with GDM and provide individualized nutrition interventions.