Social Support and Physical Activity in Pregnant Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Exploring the Mediating Role of Fear of Falling

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim This study aims to ascertain whether social support exerts an indirect influence on physical activity through the mediation of fear of falling in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Design A questionnaire‐based, descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted. Methods A total of 385 participants were collected from May to August 2023 from a tertiary maternity hospital in China using a convenience sampling method. Measures included the Social Resource Support Scale for Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes, Chinese translations of the Falls Efficacy Scale International, and the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results Both social support and fear of falling were significantly correlated with physical activity. The indirect effect of social support on physical activity through the fear of falling was positive, accounting for 62.40% of the total effect. Patient or Public Contribution A total of 385 pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus were invited to complete the questionnaire.

Keywords

• fear of falling
• gestational diabetes mellitus
• mediation analysis
• nursing
• physical activity
• social support