Exploring Health-Seeking Behavior Among Women Diagnosed With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Qualitative Study

Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) constitutes a significant public health challenge in India, particularly impacting pregnant women and posing risks to both maternal and fetal health. Despite the growing prevalence of GDM, limited qualitative evidence is available regarding the health-seeking behaviors of women in Odisha. This study aimed to explore the health-seeking behaviors among women diagnosed with GDM. Methods A descriptive exploratory research design was used at a tertiary care hospital in Odisha, India. Women diagnosed with GDM were recruited through purposive sampling, excluding those with pre-existing chronic conditions. One-on-one interviews were conducted with 21 participants in the Odia language, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis supported by NVivo software, version 14 (trial version; Lumivero, Denver, CO, USA). Trustworthiness was ensured through member checking, prolonged engagement, and detailed contextual descriptions. Results Thematic analysis was performed for the transcripts, and six key themes emerged from the analysis: emotional responses to diagnosis, including fear, guilt, and denial; inconsistent information delivery from healthcare providers; expectations for empathetic care, continuity of care, and peer support; positive changes in health behaviors, such as improved dietary practices, increased physical activity, and heightened health awareness; barriers to healthcare access, which included transportation challenges, financial constraints, and cultural or linguistic obstacles; and determinants of health-seeking behavior shaped by family support, cultural beliefs, competing responsibilities, and perceptions of medical interventions. Family encouragement was found to facilitate adherence, while misconceptions and logistical barriers hindered effective management. Conclusion This study identified key themes surrounding health-seeking behaviors, specifically emotional responses to diagnosis, the perceived adequacy of information, expectations of healthcare providers, positive lifestyle modifications, barriers to accessing care, and the overarching determinants of health-seeking behavior. To optimize patient outcomes, these dimensions must be actively addressed by healthcare personnel and systematically integrated into healthcare services.