Swedish and Middle-Eastern-born women's beliefs about gestational diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

to compare beliefs about health and illness between women born in Sweden and the Middle East who developed gestational diabetes (GD).

DESIGN

a qualitative, explorative study using semi-structured interviews.

SETTING

in-hospital diabetes specialist clinic in Sweden.

PARTICIPANTS

consecutive sample of women with GD; 13 born in Sweden and 14 born in the Middle East.

MEASUREMENT AND FINDINGS

all the women described health as freedom from disease, and expressed worries for the baby's health and well-being. Women from the Middle East did not know the cause of GD, discussed the influence of social factors, such as being an immigrant, and supernatural factors, tried to adapt to the disease and thought it would disappear after birth, felt they had more pregnancy-related complications but had not received any treatment. Swedish women attributed GD to inheritance, environment and hormonal change, feared developing Type 2 diabetes, found work-related stress harmful to their health, more often sought help, used medications against pregnancy-related complications, and were more often on sick-leave from work.

KEY CONCLUSIONS

Swedish women initiated a battle against GD, demanded medical treatment for pregnancy-related complications because of gainful employment and viewed pregnancy as a disease. Women from the Middle East temporarily adapted to the disease and perceived pregnancy and related problems as a natural part of life.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

it is important to assess individual beliefs, risk awareness and to meet individual needs for information.