Forde, R., Forbes, A., Mortimer, L., Benton, M., Nao, M.  ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6300-4867, Tang, C., Brackenridge, A., Rogers, H., Hunt, K. and Parsons, J.
2026.
The contexts, triggers and impacts of stigma in gestational diabetes: A focus group study to inform anti-stigma interventions.
Diabetic Medicine
43
(S1)
, e70292.
10.1111/dme.70292
|
Abstract
Background: Stigma is commonly experienced by women during and after pregnancies affected by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Stigma is a multifaceted phenomenon, experienced internally and through interactions with healthcare professionals (HCPs), family and friends, with negative consequences for emotional wellbeing and health behaviours. As part of a co-design study to develop anti-stigma interventions, we explored women's experiences of stigma, focussing on its contexts, triggers and impacts. Methods: Focus groups (n = 7) were conducted with women (n = 35) who had experienced GDM in the last 5 years. Discussions were transcribed and subjected to discourse analysis drawing on script theory. Results: Analysis identified four scripts relating to stigma: withholding (women concealed their GDM, thoughts and behaviours to avoid judgement or shame); moralising (women felt judged or made to feel guilty by HCPs, family or friends about their condition); contestation (women contested HCP messages and advice in relation to diet and blood glucose levels); and difference (women felt alienated from and denied a ‘normal’ pregnancy and described reduced autonomy). These experiences affected women's cognitions (embarrassment, guilt, shame, anxiety, fear and frustration) and behaviours (avoidance and concealment). Interactions in GDM care (including communication around screening, blood glucose levels, medication and pregnancy choices) were identified as a major driver of stigma. Conclusion: Stigma in GDM is pervasive, triggered in both social and healthcare contexts and has significant impacts on emotional health and health behaviours. Anti-stigma strategies are needed to reduce the impact of stigma on women's emotional and physical health and improve engagement with care.
| Item Type: | Short Communication |
|---|---|
| Date Type: | Publication |
| Status: | Published |
| Schools: | Schools > Architecture |
| Additional Information: | Abstract/Poster number P502 |
| Publisher: | Wiley |
| ISSN: | 0742-3071 |
| Date of Acceptance: | 25 February 2026 |
| Last Modified: | 17 Sep 2026 14:00 |
| URI: | https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/189622 |
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