Gestational diabetes perception profiles based on attachment style : a cross-sectional study

Munda, Ana (author), Kompan Erzar, Katarina (author), Perić, Helena (author), Pongrac Barlovič, Draženka (author)

Aims Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a prevalent complication in pregnancy that requires effective self-management, which can be influenced by illness perceptions. Moreover, behavioral regulation can be affected by attachment styles. Thus, our study aimed to identify common GDM perception profiles and test their association with attachment styles. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 446 women completed the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ), the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), and additional items about GDM diagnosis, information, competence, adherence, behavioral change. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted to determine GDM perception profiles. Multinomial logistic regression followed to calculate the association between GDM perception profiles and attachment styles. Results Three distinct profiles emerged: coping (n = 172, 38.6%)—characterized by the most positive GDM perception, burdened (n = 222, 49.8%)—indicating the emotional burden of the disease, and resourceless (n = 52, 11.7%)—reporting lack of resources (i.e. information, competence). Women with insecure attachment styles were more likely to develop a burdened GDM perception profile. Specifically, the expression of a fearful (OR = 1.184 [95%CI: 1.03; 1.36], p = 0.016) and a preoccupied (OR = 1.154 [95%CI: 1.01; 1.32], p = 0.037) attachment style increased the likelihood for a burdened perception profile, while a secure attachment style (OR = 10.791 [95%CI: 0.65; 0.96], p = 0.017) decreased likelihood for developing resourceless GDM perception profile. Conclusions Three GDM perception profiles were identified and the role of attachment styles in shaping these perceptions was confirmed. Further studies are needed to investigate whether a tailored treatment approach based on the predominant attachment style could lead to more positive GDM perceptions, improved glycemic control, and better perinatal outcomes.

• Language: English
• Keywords: gestational diabetes, illness perception, attachment styles, latent profile analysis, disease burden
• Work type: Article
• Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
• Organization: MF - Faculty of Medicine; TEOF - Theological Faculty; FF - Faculty of Arts
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Year: 2024
• Number of pages: Str. 773–780
• Numbering: Vol. 61, iss. 6
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-156348
• UDC: 616.379
• ISSN on article: 1432-5233
• DOI: 10.1007/s00592-024-02251-y
• COBISS.SI-ID: 188734211
• Publication date in RUL: 21.05.2024

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Acta diabetologica
• Publisher: Springer Nature, Sanofi-Aventis S.p.A.
• ISSN: 1432-5233
• COBISS.SI-ID: 2474004

Licences

• License: CC BY 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Description: This is the standard Creative Commons license that gives others maximum freedom to do what they want with the work as long as they credit the author.