Impact of social support and stress on compliance in women with gestational diabetes

Abstract

Compliance with medical recommendations is especially important for women with gestational diabetes because of the health implications for both mother and fetus. This study examined compliance with two daily self-management tasks, diet and insulin administration, in 98 women with gestational diabetes. Furthermore, the influence of stress and regimen-related social support on compliance was investigated. Results indicate that the level of reported compliance was high for both insulin administration and diet. Fewer minor stressors and greater social support were associated with greater compliance.