Presenter
Anna Tobin
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2026
Abstract
BACKGROUND: An average of 9% of pregnancies in the United States are affected by gestational diabetes (GDM), with higher rates among individuals with food insecurity, including participants of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Uncontrolled GDM increases the risk for pregnancy complications and health risks for the mother and baby. GDM management requires education and lifestyle interventions. METHODS: First, a needs assessment was conducted for WIC participants to identify health risks and service gaps. Next, a logic model was used to identify resources/inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes of potential nutrition programs. This information was used to develop a nutrition program to address GDM management in WIC participants. RESULTS: A nutrition program was developed to enhance participant education and guide participants between appointments, utilizing educational handouts that provided an overview of dietary GDM management, daily menus, shopping lists, and culturally inclusive recipe modifications that align with GDM dietary recommendations. A health marketing campaign, which consisted of a text tips campaign and an expanded WICshopper app scanning function that identified "foods to include" and "foods to avoid", was developed to support participant self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of this nutrition program at WIC could support participants' self-efficacy in making lifestyle changes and improve health outcomes.
Faculty Mentor
Nader Hamdi Ph.D., RDN, LDN
Academic Discipline
College of Health & Wellness
Repository Citation
Tobin, Anna, "WIC Gestational Diabetes Wellness Program" (2026). Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium. 330.
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/innov_symposium/330
