An equity audit on intervention effects of a cardiometabolic risk reduction program for women with a history of gestational diabetes in Victoria, Australia.

Abstract

To investigate the effectiveness of the Life! program-a prevention initiative for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke-on behavioural and anthropometric outcomes in women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus, across diverse sociodemographic backgrounds. This study analysed the data collected from women who participated in the Life! program in Victoria, Australia from 2014 to 2022. Logistic regression analysis was undertaken to assess the associations of socioeconomic status, place of residence, employment status and country of birth with behavioural and anthropometric outcomes six months after enrolment. There were significant improvements in anthropometric and behavioural outcomes. Women with low income were least likely to improve fat (AOR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.50, 0.83) and fibre (AOR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.91) intakes compared to women with middle income. Being 40 to 59 years old was associated with a greater improvement in fat intake compared with being under 30 years (AOR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.80). While the Life program is effective in reducing risks in women with a history of gestational diabetes, less dietary improvements were seen in those with lower incomes or younger, which needs to be addressed to reduce disparities in type 2 diabetes prevalence.