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Behavior Modification Techniques Used to Prevent Gestational Diabetes: A Systematic Review of the Literature

  • Obesity (J McCaffery, Section Editor)
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Abstract

The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and obesity is increasing in developed countries, presenting significant challenges to acute care and public health. The aim of this study is to systematically review published controlled trials evaluating behavior modification interventions to prevent the development of GDM. Nine studies were identified involving such techniques as repetition of information, use of verbal and written educational information, goal setting, and planning, in addition to group and individual counseling sessions. Of the 3 trials with GDM incidence as a primary outcome, only 1 showed a significant reduction. GDM was a secondary outcome in 6 studies where the prevention of excessive gestational weight gain was the primary outcome and only 1 trial study determined an effective intervention. The small number of effective interventions highlights a significant gap in evidence to inform maternity health policy and practice.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance

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Acknowledgments

Research assistant (H. Morris) was employed to conduct the search and to compile the data. This was done under the supervision of H. Skouteris who is also the guarantor for the paper. All authors read multiple drafts of the paper and provided suggestions for changes. There is no funding source to acknowledge. This paper has had no prior publication in any form.

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Conflict of Interest

Helen Skouteris declares that she has no conflict of interest. Heather Morris declares that she has no conflict of interest. Cate Nagle declares that she has no conflict of interest. Alison Nankervis declares that she has no conflict of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria, 3125, Australia

    Helen Skouteris & Heather Morris

  2. School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, 3216, Australia

    Cate Nagle

  3. Royal Melbourne Hospital, 300 Grattan St, Parkville, Victoria, 3050, Australia

    Alison Nankervis

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  1. Helen Skouteris
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  2. Heather Morris
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  3. Cate Nagle
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  4. Alison Nankervis
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Correspondence to Helen Skouteris.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Obesity

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Skouteris, H., Morris, H., Nagle, C. et al. Behavior Modification Techniques Used to Prevent Gestational Diabetes: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Curr Diab Rep 14, 480 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-014-0480-6

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