The mediating effect of e-health literacy on social support and behavioral decision-making on glycemic management in pregnant women with gestational diabetes: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Social support and e-health literacy are closely related to individual health behaviors, while behavior is premised on decision-making. Few studies have identified the relationships among social support, e-health literacy, and behavioral decision-making, and the nature of these relationships among pregnant women with gestational diabetes remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate relationships among social support, e-health literacy, and glycemic management behavioral decisions in pregnant women with gestational diabetes. Methods Using continuous sampling, an online cross-sectional survey was conducted among pregnant women with gestational diabetes who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria at four Class 3 hospitals in Fujian Province from October to December 2023. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on general characteristics, socioeconomic status, social support, e-health literacy, and behavioral decision-making regarding glycemic management. Descriptive statistical analyses, correlation analyses, and mediation effects were used to assess associations. Results A total of 219 pregnant women with gestational diabetes participated, and 217 valid results were obtained. The level of glycemic management behavior decision-making in women with gestational diabetes was positively correlated with e-health literacy ( r = 0.741, p < 0.01) and with perceived social support ( r = 0.755, p < 0.01). E-health literacy was positively correlated with perceived social support ( r = 0.694, p < 0.01). The indirect effect of perceived social support on glycemic management behavior decisions through e-health literacy (a*b) was 0.153, accounting for 38% of the total effect. Conclusion Social support and e-health literacy in pregnant women with gestational diabetes are related to behavioral decision-making in glycemic management. The results of this study provide a reference for developing targeted measures to improve glycemic management behaviors in pregnant women with gestational diabetes, which is crucial for achieving sustainable glycemic management.