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 - Report - MDSpire

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

  • By

  • Rui Li

  • Jing Peng

  • Yun Miao

  • Qinhui Yu

  • Hong Song

  • June 17, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Exploring Family Dynamics and Decision-Making in GDM

Overview

This study investigates the mediating effects of pregnancy-related anxiety and hope on the relationship between family function and blood glucose management decision-making in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients.

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent condition during pregnancy that can adversely affect both maternal and infant health outcomes. Effective management of GDM relies on patients' self-management behaviors, which are influenced by psychological factors such as anxiety and hope.

Data Highlights

VariableEffect Size (β)p-value
T1 Family Function → T2 Pregnancy-Related Anxiety-0.26<0.01
T1 Family Function → T2 Hope0.18<0.01
T1 Family Function → T2 Behavioral Decision-Making0.24<0.001
T1 Pregnancy-Related Anxiety → T2 Hope-0.11<0.01
T2 Pregnancy-Related Anxiety → T3 Behavioral Decision-Making-0.25<0.001
T2 Hope → T3 Behavioral Decision-Making0.18<0.001

Key Findings

  • T1 family function significantly predicted T2 pregnancy-related anxiety (β = -0.26, p < 0.01).
  • T1 family function positively predicted T2 hope (β = 0.18, p < 0.01).
  • T1 pregnancy-related anxiety negatively predicted T2 behavioral decision-making (β = -0.28, p < 0.001).
  • T2 hope positively predicted T3 behavioral decision-making (β = 0.18, p < 0.001).
  • Bootstrap analysis indicated significant indirect effects of T2 pregnancy-related anxiety and hope on T3 behavioral decision-making.

Clinical Implications

Consideration of family dynamics may be important when assessing and managing patients with GDM.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the importance of family-centered approaches in the management of GDM, suggesting that addressing psychological and familial factors can lead to better decision-making outcomes for patients.

Related Resources & Content

  1. BMC Psychiatry, 2025 -- The effect of mental health-based self-care model counseling on anxiety and depression in women with gestational diabetes: a randomized clinical trial
  2. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2026 -- A study on the correlation among sleep quality in pregnant women, type 2 diabetes risk scores based on FINDRISC, and pregnancy-related anxiety
  3. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2025 -- Dietary Patterns Linked to Insulin and Inflammation May Better Predict Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Risk
  4. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism — Effectiveness of a Family-based Health Promotion Intervention for Women With Prior GDM: The Face-It RCT
  5. ADA GDM Implementation Guide
  6. WHO Recommendations on Care for Women with Diabetes During Pregnancy
  7. One-step vs 2-step gestational diabetes mellitus screening and pregnancy outcomes
  8. Effect of Treatment of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on Pregnancy Outcomes | New England Journal of Medicine
  9. A Multicenter, Randomized Trial of Treatment for Mild Gestational Diabetes | New England Journal of Medicine
  10. JMIR Diabetes - Obstacles and Enablers Related to Gestational Diabetes Self-Management: Systematic Review Using the Socio-Eecological Model
  11. A parallel-group controlled clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of self-family-environment empowerment diet management intervention in improving outcomes for pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus
  12. Gestational diabetes and mental health: longitudinal analysis of data from the GEMS randomized trial | Archives of Women's Mental Health | Springer Nature Link

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