Integrating Psychological Support into Gestational Diabetes Self-management: Developmet of a User-centred Digital Mindfulness Programe

Godage, Prabhadini and Giggins, Oonagh and Doyle, Julie and Byrne, Anita Integrating Psychological Support into Gestational Diabetes Self-management: Developmet of a User-centred Digital Mindfulness Programe. Women's Health.

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Abstract

Background: Gestational 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. Objectives: This 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. Design: A 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). Methods: A 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. Results: Participants 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. Conclusion: A systematically developed, contextually relevant digital mindfulness programme may address critical gaps in GDM care, supporting psychological well-being and self-management.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	Science
Research Centres:	Netwell/CASALA
Depositing User:	Patricia McAleer
Date Deposited:	01 Sep 2026 08:11
Last Modified:	01 Sep 2026 08:11
License:	Creative Commons: Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0
URI:	https://eprints.dkit.ie/id/eprint/1096

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