Self‐reported barriers in self‐management of women with gestational diabetes: A systematic review of qualitative studies

Aim: To provide a systematic review of the qualitative literature on self‐reported barriers to self‐management in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Design: Systematic review. Methods: This systematic review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute meta‐aggregation approach and was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research. Qualitative studies on the barriers to self‐management among GDM pregnancy survivors conducted until 17 May 2022, were searched. Results: A total of 30 studies were included, of which seven were in Chinese and 23 were in English, and 10 findings resulted in three themes: (a) Knowledge and belief, (b) Skills and abilities and (c) Environment and social support. By summarizing the self‐reported barriers to self‐management in patients with GDM and recommends precise interventions for these barriers, thereby saving health resources and helping to increase their willingness and ability to engage in self‐management.