Gestational Diabetes Mobile Health Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring acceptance of behaviour change apps among women with a history of gestational diabetes to support healthy behaviour change, associated with weight management, in the postpartum and interconception periods
IRAS ID
252946
Contact name
Katie Edwards
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a significant predictor of pregnancy complications, risk of Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) and recurrent GDM in subsequent pregnancies. Weight management holds particular potential for reducing risk of recurrent GDM as well as development of T2DM. Evidence suggests Functional Imagery Training (FIT) holds promise as an effective weight management intervention, however, the efficacy of delivering the intervention via mobile app (FITZ) remains unclear as do the intricacies of implementation amongst a population of women with history of GDM.
This study seeks to qualitatively explore amongst women with a history of GDM, their views and experiences of making healthy behaviour changes during the postpartum and interconception periods, with particular focus on behaviour change apps. We aim to explore initial acceptability of the FITZ app among postpartum women including barriers and facilitators to usage, ease of use, and perceived usefulness. Participants are women of reproductive age (18-45 years) who have a confirmed diagnosis of GDM and access to a smartphone connected to the internet. Participants can be recruited into the study any time after GDM diagnosis, up until birth. Recruitment will take place at the Royal Cornwall Hospital Truro. Participants are asked to take part in two interviews, 8 to 12 weeks after they have given birth. The first interview will focus on views and experiences of making behaviour changes after birth and discussion of relevant mHealth apps, including FITZ. Participants will have the opportunity to use FITZ and another app (for free) over a two week period. A second interview will focus on women’s feedback on the apps. Interviews will be transcribed and analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. The results will be used to develop a full protocol for a larger study examining the feasibility of evaluating the FITZ app amongst women with a history of GDM.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/LO/0200
Date of REC Opinion
30 Mar 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion