Educational Needs for Theory-Based Gestational Diabetes Education among High-Risk Pregnant Women in Aceh, Indonesia: A Qualitative Study

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent pregnancy complication associated with substantial maternal and neonatal morbidity. Despite the availability of screening services, timely detection remains suboptimal because of limited maternal knowledge, low perceived susceptibility, psychological concerns, and the absence of culturally appropriate educational resources. This study aimed to identify the educational needs for developing a theory-based diabetes education model integrating the Health Belief Model (HBM) and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) for pregnant women at high risk of GDM in Aceh, Indonesia.Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted as the needs assessment phase of a research and development project. Two focus group discussions were held in Montasik District, Aceh Besar Regency, Indonesia, in May 2026, involving six midwives and six pregnant women at high risk of GDM selected through purposive sampling. Semi-structured discussion guides were developed based on HBM and SCT constructs. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis through a combination of deductive and inductive coding.Results: Three overarching themes and nine subthemes emerged. The first theme, insufficient GDM literacy and risk awareness, included limited understanding of GDM, low perceived susceptibility, and inadequate awareness of disease severity. The second theme, behavioural and sociocultural barriers to early detection, encompassed fear of screening outcomes and dietary restrictions, the influence of local dietary practices and social norms, and reliance on midwives, family members, and pregnancy-related symptoms as cues to action. The third theme, requirements for culturally responsive and family-oriented educational interventions, highlighted the absence of standardised educational materials, the importance of husband and family support in reinforcing healthy behaviours, and participants’ preference for concise, visually engaging, smartphone-based educational media.Conclusions: Early detection of GDM is influenced by interacting cognitive, emotional, sociocultural, and family-related factors. These findings provide an empirical foundation for developing the SIGAP educational model (Aware of Risk, Seek Information, and Overcome GDM Early), which integrates HBM and SCT constructs into culturally tailored, visually engaging, and digitally accessible educational media to enhance community-based antenatal education and facilitate timely GDM screening.