Utilisation of the internet and support communities on Facebook for gestational diabetes mellitus self-management and empowerment: a cross-sectional online survey study

Pham, S; Churruca, K; Ellis, LA; Braithwaite, J

Utilisation of the internet and support communities on Facebook for gestational diabetes mellitus self-management and empowerment: a cross-sectional online survey study

Pham, S

Churruca, K Ellis, LA Braithwaite, J

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Publisher:: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Information Communication and Society, 2025
Issue Date:: 2025-01-01

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Pham, S https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1844-2873
dc.contributor.author	Churruca, K
dc.contributor.author	Ellis, LA
dc.contributor.author	Braithwaite, J
dc.date.accessioned	2025-09-29T08:03:44Z
dc.date.available	2025-09-29T08:03:44Z
dc.date.issued	2025-01-01
dc.identifier.citation	Information Communication and Society, 2025
dc.identifier.issn	1369-118X
dc.identifier.issn	1468-4462
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/190209
dc.description.abstract	The internet and social media are important resources for those diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), the most common medical complication of pregnancy worldwide. However, to date, there has been limited research focused on GDM support communities on Facebook. This study aimed to identify characteristics of members of GDM support communities on Facebook, explore the uptake and value of the internet by the members of online support communities for GDM, and analyse how participation in these communities contributes to empowering experiences of healthcare. A cross-sectional online survey was completed by 340 women recruited from two peer-led closed Facebook groups focused on GDM in Australia. Most respondents searched for information about GDM online, found it important to access online health resources, and reported the usefulness of these resources with GDM decision-making. Around half indicated they had discussed information found online with a healthcare provider. Analysis via multiple linear regression demonstrated educational level, sense of shared experience and valuing information exchanged within GDM online support significantly predicted experiencing empowering outcomes from participating in a GDM online support community. These results indicate the value of such spaces for women with GDM and suggests an opportunity for healthcare providers to invest in formal outreach into GDM online support communities on Facebook. Further investigation exploring the benefits of self-organised and peer-led support would elucidate how participation improves adherence to treatment adherence, patient-provider relationships, and contributes to better outcomes for GDM.
dc.language	English
dc.publisher	ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
dc.relation.ispartof	Information Communication and Society
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1080/1369118X.2025.2492581
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.subject	0806 Information Systems, 0807 Library and Information Studies, 2001 Communication and Media Studies
dc.subject.classification	Communication & Media Studies
dc.subject.classification	4609 Information systems
dc.subject.classification	4701 Communication and media studies
dc.title	Utilisation of the internet and support communities on Facebook for gestational diabetes mellitus self-management and empowerment: a cross-sectional online survey study
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	ahead-of-print
utslib.for	0806 Information Systems
utslib.for	0807 Library and Information Studies
utslib.for	2001 Communication and Media Studies
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
dc.rights.license	This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0). To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
dc.date.updated	2025-09-29T08:03:42Z
pubs.publication-status	Published

Abstract:

The internet and social media are important resources for those diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), the most common medical complication of pregnancy worldwide. However, to date, there has been limited research focused on GDM support communities on Facebook. This study aimed to identify characteristics of members of GDM support communities on Facebook, explore the uptake and value of the internet by the members of online support communities for GDM, and analyse how participation in these communities contributes to empowering experiences of healthcare. A cross-sectional online survey was completed by 340 women recruited from two peer-led closed Facebook groups focused on GDM in Australia. Most respondents searched for information about GDM online, found it important to access online health resources, and reported the usefulness of these resources with GDM decision-making. Around half indicated they had discussed information found online with a healthcare provider. Analysis via multiple linear regression demonstrated educational level, sense of shared experience and valuing information exchanged within GDM online support significantly predicted experiencing empowering outcomes from participating in a GDM online support community. These results indicate the value of such spaces for women with GDM and suggests an opportunity for healthcare providers to invest in formal outreach into GDM online support communities on Facebook. Further investigation exploring the benefits of self-organised and peer-led support would elucidate how participation improves adherence to treatment adherence, patient-provider relationships, and contributes to better outcomes for GDM.

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:

http://hdl.handle.net/10453/190209