Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes (GDM) are more than twice as prevalent among Latina than non-Latina women of childbearing age. Approximately 50% of Latina women with GDM develop type 2 diabetes within five years postpartum. Increased physical activity during and after pregnancy may improve maternal weight and metabolic status, helping to reduce the risks, severity and profound social and economic cost of type 2 diabetes and its complications. Prenatal and postpartum care offer early identification and intervention opportunities for women with IGT and diabetes. However, low-income, inner-city, Latina women may not perceive physical activities recommended by care providers as appropriate or feasible. We conducted a series of focus groups with pregnant and postpartum Latina women in Southwest Detroit who have, or are at risk for, diabetes. The first session, during pregnancy, addressed women's beliefs about diabetes, their perceptions of risk including the cognitive links between physical activity, diet, heredity and risk; beliefs, attitudes, practices and perceived barriers and facilitators related to regular participation in physical activity during and after pregnancy. In session 2, participants met again at approximately 6 weeks postpartum to discuss the results of their prenatal group session as well as changes in participant perceptions following childbirth. Session 3, at approximately 12 weeks postpartum, engaged the same participants in planning potential family, clinic and community-based prenatal and postpartum intervention strategies. The presentation will summarize the process and results of this participatory action research project.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants in this session will be able to: 1. Identify perceptions of risk factors for diabetes among Latina women in the target community. 2. List barriers to physical activity for Latina women in the target community. 3. Describe a strategy for developing relevant physical activity interventions for Latina women
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.