Women's and healthcare providers’ perceptions of long‐term complications associated with hypertension and diabetes in pregnancy: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVES: A diagnosis of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy (HDPs) or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is highly predictive of women at increased risk of developing chronic hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This study investigates perceptions of women and healthcare providers in rural India regarding these long‐term risks. DESIGN: Qualitative study using modified grounded theory. SETTING: Two states in rural India: Haryana and Andhra Pradesh. POPULATION: Pregnant and postpartum women, community health workers (CHWs), primary care physicians, obstetricians, laboratory technicians, and healthcare officials. METHODS: In‐depth interviews and focus group discussions explored: (1) priorities for high‐risk pregnant women; (2) detection and management of HDPs and GDM; (3) postpartum management, and (4) knowledge of long‐term sequelae of high‐risk conditions. A thematic analysis was undertaken. RESULTS: Seven focus group discussions and 11 in‐depth interviews (n = 71 participants) were performed. The key priority area for high‐risk pregnant women was anaemia. Blood pressure measurement was routinely embedded in antenatal care; however, postpartum follow up and knowledge of the long‐term complications were limited. GDM was not considered a common problem, although significant variations and challenges to GDM screening were identified. Knowledge of the long‐term sequelae of GDM with regard to an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease among doctors was minimal. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for improved education, standardisation of testing and postpartum follow up of HDPs and GDM in rural Indian settings. FUNDING: SN is supported by an MRC Clinical Research Training Fellowship (MR/R017182/1). The George Institute for Global Health Global Women's Health programme provided financial support for the research assistant and fieldwork costs in India. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Improved education and postpartum care of women with hypertension and diabetes in pregnancy in rural India are needed to prevent long‐term risks.