334725
Peer-led 7 Week Postpartum Education Program Improves The Inter-conception Health Of Women With Gestational Diabetes Prior To Subsequent Pregnancy
Low-income women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at high risk for having an unplanned future pregnancy as well as developing worsening metabolic health parameters including weight gain and development of T2DM. Social disparities and health inequities limit access to basic healthcare after the initial postpartum period. Further, it has been challenging to effectively capture postpartum women. Our aim is to assess whether this peer-led education program expands knowledge, changes behavior and improves health.
Methods
We developed a 7-week peer-led postpartum education program in Spanish using a scripted curriculum and Life Plan to improve knowledge, behavior and commitment to improving health and evaluate its effect on clinical indicators (BMI, waist circumference, A1C,blood pressure). Outcomes are evaluated at 0, 3 and 6 and 9 months post-class.
Results
40 women attended ≥5/7 classes, 88% (35) demonstrate increased knowledge and changed behavior as measured by a post-class test. Among participants, 32 were eligible for follow-up exams: 91% (29) have improved at least one health measure, including 41% (13) of women had A1C of <5.7% or reduction of 0.5%; 47% (15) had normal BMI or ≥5% reduction; 38% (12) had waist circumference of <35 inches or 5% reduction; and 75% (24) had SBP<130 and DBP<80.
Discussion
We developed an inter-conception education program addressing social disparities and health inequities among low-income, medically-underserved women with or at risk for diabetes. By intervening at this critical stage, the program impacts the lifecourse of these women possibly improving health prior to subsequent pregnancy.
Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and preventionPlanning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Learning Objectives:
Name at least 3 risk factors for Gestational Diabetes.
Explain the significance of inter-conception intervention
Describe the benefits of the diabetes prevention program
Keyword(s): Community Health Workers and Promoters, Diabetes
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the program coordinator of the Semillas de Cambio program offered by William Sansum Diabetes Center. I recruit participants, collect data, revise/ update materials, and engage community partners. Previously I facilitated a community based after-school youth peer education program in Washington, DC. My passion for improving community health has lead me to pursue nursing and I will be attending Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing Master's Entry into Nursing program in January 2016.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.