Qualitative study on public health nurses’ experience and assessment of nutritional and physical activity counseling of women with gestational diabetes

INTRODUCTION: The number of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has increased worldwide. GDM is a known risk factor for pregnant mothers and their fetuses that may increase various complications and health concerns. Nutrition and physical activity (PA) counseling during pregnancy can be crucial in supporting pregnant women to adopt healthier lifestyle practices and reducing these risks. This study describes public health nurses’ (PHNs) experiences of nutrition and PA counseling and their assessments on how to develop the counseling for pregnant women with GDM. METHODS: This is a descriptive qualitative study containing theme-interviews of 11 PHNs working in an antenatal maternity care setting. The data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. RESULTS: Five main themes were identified related to PHNs’ experiences and assessment of nutrition and PA counseling for pregnant women with GDM: competency of nutrition and PA counseling, challenges of counseling, positive experiences of counseling, printed material, and counseling practices. PHNs considered nutrition and PA counseling both challenging and rewarding. There was lack of knowledge and skills to provide proper counseling and adequate material to support versatile counseling. CONCLUSIONS: Material related to nutrition and PA counseling should be updated and standardized. PHNs need further training to improve knowledge in the area of diet and exercise.