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Integrating psychological support into gestational diabetes self-management: Development of a user-centred digital

Prabhadini Godage1, Oonagh M Giggins1, Julie Doyle1

  • 1NetwellCASALA, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Dundalk, Ireland.

Women'S Health (London, England)
|August 12, 2026
PubMed

BackgroundGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) presents significant psychological and behavioural challenges, with diagnosis often triggering stress, anxiety, and fear. Despite these burdens, structured psychosocial support remains limited within existing GDM care. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) show promise for reducing distress in perinatal contexts, but few are tailored to the unique needs of individuals with GDM, and digital delivery remains rare.ObjectivesThis study aimed to develop a digitally delivered mindfulness programme tailored to the psychological needs of individuals with GDM using a user-centred, multi-phase design approach.DesignA qualitative, multi-phase participatory design study involving needs assessment and co-design workshops, guided by the Obesity-Related Behavioural Intervention Trials (ORBIT) model for behavioural intervention development and Loucks et al.'s evidence-based adaptation framework for Mindfulness-Based Programmes (MBPs).MethodsA qualitative needs assessment was conducted through focus groups with individuals with GDM (n=11) and healthcare professionals (n=4) to identify psychological experiences, mental health support, and the feasibility of a digital mindfulness intervention. Findings informed the initial mindfulness programme framework, which was further refined through participatory co-design workshops (n=10) and iterative tailoring of scripts and multimedia content.ResultsParticipants reported high levels of emotional distress following GDM diagnosis, citing a strong desire for brief, flexible, and supportive psychosocial interventions. Co-design feedback highlighted preferences for short audio-guided sessions, soft and calming voice characteristics, and seamless integration into daily routines. The final one-month programme comprised 20 mindfulness exercises, delivered via audio and video for integration within a holistic GDM self-management app.ConclusionA systematically developed, contextually relevant digital mindfulness programme may address critical gaps in GDM care, supporting psychological well-being and self-management.

Keywords:
digital mindfulness programmegestational diabetes mellitusmindfulness-based interventionsstressuser-centred design

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