Date of Award

Spring 2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Department

Public Health

Director of Thesis

Dr. Bridget M. Miller

Second Reader

Dr. Myriam E. Torres

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common metabolic disorder of pregnancy, and rates of this disease have been steadily increasing over the past ten years. GDM disproportionately impacts racial and ethnic minorities at higher rates than their Caucasian counterparts. In this study, the PRECEDE model framework was employed during a literature review to gain a greater understanding of the complex risk factors contributing to differences in the development, diagnosis, and treatment of GDM among these population subgroups. The second part of this study concentrated on reviewing the extent to which current literature evaluates the role of race and ethnicity in the development, diagnosis, and treatment of GDM. Of the articles included in this study, 46.67% had no mention of the key terms “race” or “ethnicity,” and this was the most prevalent categorization of articles. Meta-analyses were the study format most likely to incorporate race and ethnicity into their primary research question, at a rate ten percent higher than other evaluated research study designs. There is a clear need for further research into this topic, especially given the extent to which race and ethnicity have been associated with differences in GDM rates and outcomes. It is the recommendation of this study that the most effective way to facilitate more research in this field is to have specific grants designated for race and ethnicity research.

First Page

1

Last Page

60

Rights

© 2025, Gabrielle D. Shupard

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