135-OR: The Effects of the WE-GDM Program for Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Their Partners on Blood Glucose Levels and Communal Coping—A Randomised Controlled Trial

Introduction & Objective: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with suboptimal pregnancy outcomes and future health risks. Partner support is important for managing GDM; however, there is limited research on GDM interventions for couples. We developed the WE-GDM program based on communal coping theory and evaluated its effects on blood glucose levels and communal coping.

Methods: A randomised controlled trial was performed. Pregnant women with GDM and their partners were recruited from three hospitals in China and randomly allocated to intervention (IG; n = 70) and control (CG; n = 70) groups. Women in the CG received individual GDM education. Couples in the IG underwent the WE-GDM program (GDM education, shared illness appraisals, initiation of collaborative action, and consolidation of collaborative action). Data were collected at pre-intervention (T1), 1 week post-intervention (T2), and 8 weeks post-intervention (T3). They were analysed using generalised estimating equations.

Results: The average ages of the women and their partners were 31.1 and 32.2 years, respectively. The reductions in 2-hour postprandial blood glucose levels from T1 to T2 and from T1 to T3 were 0.22 and 0.41 higher, respectively in the IG than in the CG (β = -0.22 [-0.44 to 0.00]; β = -0.41 [-0.66 to -0.16]). Significant differences were also noted in the following dimensions regarding communal coping: at T2 and T3, the IG had higher scores for collaboration, instrumental support, and emotional support, as well as lower scores for critical and avoidance behaviors, compared to the CG.

Conclusion: The WE-GDM program effectively improved partner participation in GDM management and was beneficial for controlling blood glucose levels in pregnant women. This innovative program offers a new approach for couples managing GDM, as well as a reference for applying communal coping theory to other illnesses.