'What do you need?' An observational, cross-sectional study of the holistic healthcare needs of culturally and linguistically diverse Australian women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is the most rapidly rising type of diabetes in Australia. Women of certain ethnic backgrounds are disproportionately affected, experiencing poorer health outcomes. The holistic healthcare needs of these women are not well understood AIM: To compare the GDM Holistic Healthcare Needs Scale results between women who primarily speak English and those speaking another language at home.

METHODS

All pregnant women with GDM, residing in Australia and registered with the National Diabetes Services Scheme were invited to participate in this observational, cross-sectional study. Participation involved completing the web-based GDM Holistic Healthcare Needs Scale, from 4 May 2023. Results are presented as simple proportions, with the Chi-square test for independence comparing needs between the two groups.

FINDINGS: Of the 342 participants, 282 (82.5 %) primarily spoke English and 60 (17.5 %) spoke mainly another language at home. Women speaking other languages had a significantly higher need for 'information about managing GDM that takes account of your culture' (P < 0.001) and 'information provided in a language or words that you can understand' (P = 0.03). Conversely, primarily English-speaking women reported a significantly higher need for 'consistent information and advice from different healthcare providers' (P = 0.04), and 'not always feeling 'high risk'' (P = 0.05).

DISCUSSION: Resources for women with GDM should be comprehensive and culturally appropriate, using words and language that can be easily understood. The GDM Holistic Healthcare Needs Scale is a useful instrument for measuring holistic healthcare needs of women from diverse backgrounds.

CONCLUSION

The holistic healthcare needs of women with GDM should be considered throughout service and care planning to promote optimal outcomes for women and babies.