(P30-040-24) Developing a Culturally Appropriate Prevention Program for Gestational Diabetes Among Urban Indigenous Women: Study Protocol

Objectives: The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GD) among Canadian Indigenous women is 8% - 18%, three times higher than the national rate. GDM can lead to health complications for the mother, such as developing type 2 diabetes after pregnancy, and the offspring, such as macrosomia. While there are culturally appropriate prevention programs for type 2 diabetes, there has been less focus on GD, and existing programs are more suitable for rural areas with greater access to health-promoting traditional foods and activities. Thus, the objective of this study was to conduct formative work to inform the future development of a culturally appropriate GD prevention program for urban Indigenous women.

Methods: Community-based participatory research was used to promote co-learning and address health from positive and ecological perspectives. Urban Indigenous women participating in the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program through Healthy Start in Winnipeg, Manitoba or In a Good Way in Brandon, Manitoba were recruited for focus groups (FGs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs). FGs aimed to gain insights into participants' experiences with CPNP, their perceptions of GD within their communities, and the significance of traditional foods and activities to their health and pregnancy. A subset of participants were identified from the FGs for IDIs, which explored more detailed information about their thoughts and behaviors. Workshops were conducted with stakeholders in the Indigenous health sphere, including health care providers, business owners, Elders, and others. Workshops acted as interactive brainstorming sessions to identify important considerations for program development.

Results: N/A (study protocol)

Conclusions: This work is critical to lay the groundwork for the development and pilot-testing of a culturally appropriate GD prevention program for urban Indigenous women. The project is expected to provide valuable insights into the program format, content, length, and focus. Additionally, it will identify Indigenous knowledge frameworks that can be utilized and barriers and facilitators that need to be addressed. Moreover, the project will help establish connections with stakeholders and community partners.

Funding Sources: Manitoba Medical Services Foundation and The Winnipeg Foundation