TY - JOUR

T1 - The stigma associated with gestational diabetes mellitus

T2 - A scoping review

AU - Davidsen, Emma

AU - Maindal, Helle Terkildsen

AU - Rod, Morten Hulvej

AU - Olesen, Kasper

AU - Byrne, Molly

AU - Damm, Peter

AU - Nielsen, Karoline Kragelund

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2022 The Authors

PY - 2022

Y1 - 2022

N2 - Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects an increasing number of pregnant women globally. Although studies have identified psychosocial ramifications associated with GDM, stigma in the form of experienced discrimination and self-blame and its consequences have received limited attention. Our objective was to examine the current evidence on stigma, as experienced among women with GDM, including the potential adverse consequences hereof. Methods: A scoping review was conducted with citations retrieved from the databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and, PsycINFO. Studies published before 15 June 2022, when the search was conducted, were included. Findings: We identified 1388 citations and included 44 in the review. We found that women with GDM may experience stigma in the form of overt discrimination from healthcare personnel and relatives, and in the form of internalised stigma, such as guilt and shame. Identified consequences include avoidance of screening, not following dietary recommendations nor reporting blood glucose readings, social isolation, and poor mental wellbeing. No estimates of stigma prevalence were identified. Interpretation: Existing evidence shows that women with GDM report stigma, which may affect both their mental and physical health. Further investigations into the prevalence of stigma and long-term consequences of stigma are much needed. Funding: The funders of the study had no role in study design, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation, or writing of the report.

AB - Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects an increasing number of pregnant women globally. Although studies have identified psychosocial ramifications associated with GDM, stigma in the form of experienced discrimination and self-blame and its consequences have received limited attention. Our objective was to examine the current evidence on stigma, as experienced among women with GDM, including the potential adverse consequences hereof. Methods: A scoping review was conducted with citations retrieved from the databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and, PsycINFO. Studies published before 15 June 2022, when the search was conducted, were included. Findings: We identified 1388 citations and included 44 in the review. We found that women with GDM may experience stigma in the form of overt discrimination from healthcare personnel and relatives, and in the form of internalised stigma, such as guilt and shame. Identified consequences include avoidance of screening, not following dietary recommendations nor reporting blood glucose readings, social isolation, and poor mental wellbeing. No estimates of stigma prevalence were identified. Interpretation: Existing evidence shows that women with GDM report stigma, which may affect both their mental and physical health. Further investigations into the prevalence of stigma and long-term consequences of stigma are much needed. Funding: The funders of the study had no role in study design, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation, or writing of the report.

KW - Gestational diabetes mellitus

KW - Scoping review

KW - Stigma

U2 - 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101614

DO - 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101614

M3 - Review

C2 - 35990581

AN - SCOPUS:85135924399

VL - 52

JO - EClinicalMedicine

JF - EClinicalMedicine

SN - 2589-5370

M1 - 101614

ER -