Research Article: The relationship between family function and behavioral decision-making in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus: a multiple mediation model and cross-lagged analysis of pregnancy-related anxiety and hope
Abstract:
This study aimed to explore the chain mediating effect and cross-lagged associations between pregnancy-related anxiety and hope in the relationship between family function (FF) and blood glucose management behavioral decision-making (BDM) among patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study also aimed to provide insights into enhancing self-management efficacy and optimizing maternal and infant outcomes.
A convenience sample of 245 GDM patients was selected. Surveys were conducted using the Pregnancy-related Anxiety Questionnaire (PAQ), the Herth Hope Index (HHI), the Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve (APGAR) Index, and the Blood Glucose Management Decision-Making Behavior Questionnaire at three time points: 24–28?weeks of gestation (T1), 32?weeks of gestation (T2), and 36–42?weeks of gestation (T3). Statistical analyses included equivalence testing and cross-lagged modeling.
A total of 220 valid questionnaires were collected. Equivalence testing indicated that all variables met the requirements for measurement invariance, ensuring cross-temporal comparability of the tools. Cross-lagged path analysis revealed that T1 family function significantly predicted T2 pregnancy-related anxiety ( ? =??0.26, p <?0.01), T2 hope ( ? =?0.18, p <?0.01), and T2 behavioral decision-making ( ? =?0.24, p <?0.001). T1 pregnancy-related anxiety significantly predicted T2 hope ( ? =??0.11, p <?0.01) and T2 behavioral decision-making ( ? =??0.28, p <?0.001). T2 family function positively predicted T3 hope ( ? =?0.18, p <?0.001), while T2 pregnancy-related anxiety negatively predicted T3 behavioral decision-making ( ? =??0.25, p <?0.001). T2 hope positively predicted T3 behavioral decision-making ( ? =?0.18, p <?0.001), and T2 behavioral decision-making positively predicted T3 family function ( ? =?0.11, p <?0.01). Bootstrap analysis demonstrated significant indirect effects of T2 pregnancy-related anxiety ( ? =?0.065, p <?0.01) and T2 hope ( ? =?0.032, p <?0.01) in the prediction of T3 behavioral decision-making by T1 family function.
Clinical practice should develop family-centered intervention models, assess family function, screen for anxiety, and enhance hope through psychological support and health education to promote positive behavioral decision-making and improve blood glucose control.
Introduction:
This study aimed to explore the chain mediating effect and cross-lagged associations between pregnancy-related anxiety and hope in the relationship between family function (FF) and blood glucose management behavioral decision-making (BDM) among patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study also aimed to provide insights into enhancing self-management efficacy and optimizing maternal and infant outcomes.
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