Integrating psychological support into gestational diabetes self-management: Development of a user-centred digital mindfulness programme.
Prabhadini Godage, Oonagh M Giggins, Julie Doyle, Anita Byrne
Women's health (London, England) 2026 DOI: 10.1177/17455057261473448 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative, multi-phase participatory design study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 25 |
| Population | Individuals with gestational diabetes mellitus (n=11) and healthcare professionals (n=4) in focus groups, plus co-design workshop participants (n=10) |
| Intervention | Digital mindfulness programme |
| Duration | One-month programme |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Digital mindfulness programme Gestational diabetes mellitus Mindfulness-based interventions Stress User-centred design |
| Key findings | Participants reported high emotional distress after gestational diabetes diagnosis and wanted brief, flexible psychosocial support. Co-design feedback favoured short audio-guided sessions, soft calming voices, and integration into daily routines. The resulting one-month programme comprises 20 audio and video mindfulness exercises embedded in a gestational diabetes self-management app. |
Abstract
BackgroundGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) presents significant psychological and behavioural challenges, with diagnosis often triggering stress, anxiety, and fear. Despite these burdens, structured psychosocial support remains limited within existing GDM care. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) show promise for reducing distress in perinatal contexts, but few are tailored to the unique needs of individuals with GDM, and digital delivery remains rare.ObjectivesThis study aimed to develop a digitally delivered mindfulness programme tailored to the psychological needs of individuals with GDM using a user-centred, multi-phase design approach.DesignA qualitative, multi-phase participatory design study involving needs assessment and co-design workshops, guided by the Obesity-Related Behavioural Intervention Trials (ORBIT) model for behavioural intervention development and Loucks et al.'s evidence-based adaptation framework for Mindfulness-Based Programmes (MBPs).MethodsA qualitative needs assessment was conducted through focus groups with individuals with GDM (n=11) and healthcare professionals (n=4) to identify psychological experiences, mental health support, and the feasibility of a digital mindfulness intervention. Findings informed the initial mindfulness programme framework, which was further refined through participatory co-design workshops (n=10) and iterative tailoring of scripts and multimedia content.ResultsParticipants reported high levels of emotional distress following GDM diagnosis, citing a strong desire for brief, flexible, and supportive psychosocial interventions. Co-design feedback highlighted preferences for short audio-guided sessions, soft and calming voice characteristics, and seamless integration into daily routines. The final one-month programme comprised 20 mindfulness exercises, delivered via audio and video for integration within a holistic GDM self-management app.ConclusionA systematically developed, contextually relevant digital mindfulness programme may address critical gaps in GDM care, supporting psychological well-being and self-management.