1. Objectifs

Intentions :
This research «evaluate[s] the couple as a ‘unit’; that is, associations of the GDM [gestational diabetes mellitus]/GH [gestational hypertension] indicator with the diagnosis of diabetes and of hypertension in both mother and father. Such associations have the potential to help patients and health care providers conceptualize GDM/GH as a couple issue rather than exclusively the mother’s concern.» (p. 33)

Questions/Hypothèses :
Authors support «the hypothesis that couple‐focused interventions may be more effective than individual-based interventions in facilitating behavioral changes […].» (p. 35)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
«A population-based retrospective cohort study in the province of Quebec (universal healthcare) utilizing administrative health data [Quebec Statistical Institute, Birth Registry, Death Registry, data from Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec] was performed.» (p. 33) In the end, «63,438 matched couples were retained in the present analyses » (p. 34)

Instruments :
Questionnaire

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse statistique

3. Résumé

«[R]esults demonstrate that couples with a history of GDM or GH (i.e., in mother) have a higher risk of postpartum diabetes and of postpartum hypertension in both members of the couple compared to couples without GDM or GH history. The risks are even higher with a history of both GDM and GH. […] Introducing a quantitative measure of couple risk may be leveraged for couple collaboration for cardiovascular risk reduction. Women with pregnancy-related disorders have a strong desire for partner collaboration to achieve health behaviour change […]. Additionally, in couples, individuals feel more capable to change their behavior if their partner is also motivated to change […].» (p. 34-35) For example, in «women within 5 years of a pregnancy with GDM, we demonstrated that although body mass index and body composition measures did not change, this intervention resulted in important changes in health behaviours, including increases in steps counts and fruit/vegetable intake and a decline in the proportion of couples reporting processed food consumption and dining out. […] Engaging partners in such diabetes and hypertension prevention activities may be positively influenced by appreciating the shared risk in the couple as a unit, as illustrated in our study.» (p. 35-35)