Perception of risk and prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus among pregnant women in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Background/Aims An increasing prevalence rate of gestational diabetes mellitus has been recorded in developing countries including Nigeria, yet it is largely a preventable condition. There is a lack of literature on the perception of risk and prevention of gestational diabetes among pregnant women in Ibadan, Nigeria. The aim of this study was to determine perception of risk and knowledge of preventative measures among pregnant women in Ibadan, Nigeria. This will inform health professionals on possible improvements to the education available on diabetes and preventive measures. Methods A descriptive survey was used to study 182 purposively selected pregnant women. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on participants' knowledge of diabetes and their perception of the risk of developing diabetes. The chi-squared test was used to test the association between knowledge of diabetes and perception of risk. Results The majority (56%) of participants had poor knowledge of gestational diabetes. The majority (55.5%) of respondents thought themselves to be at low risk of developing gestational diabetes. The majority (59.9%) of pregnant women also had poor knowledge of preventive measures against gestational diabetes. There was a significant association between knowledge of gestational diabetes and perception of increased risk (P<0.000). There was a significant association between education level and knowledge of preventive measures for gestational diabetes (P=0.030). Conclusions There is poor knowledge of diabetes and preventive measures against it among pregnant women in Ibadan, Nigeria. Health professionals should improve women's knowledge of gestational diabetes, predisposing factors, risks and preventive measures against gestational diabetes by including education on this subject in the antenatal education provided.

Knowledge, Attitude and P erception Towards Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in University College Hospital, Ibadan

“…A statistically significant association between knowledge about GDM among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in University College Hospital, Ibadan and their perceived risk of developing GDM. This is consistent with that of Akinwaare et al 22 in a primary healthcare centre which also reported poor knowledge of GDM among more than half of the participants and a good perception of the risk of developing diabetes in pregnancy amongst the minority. There is a statistically significant association between the attitude of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in UCH towards GDM and their perception of GDM.…”

“…21 Akinwaare et al in a study to determine the perception of risk and knowledge of preventive measures among pregnant women found out that even though the majority of the pregnant women had poor knowledge of GDM as well as it preventive measures, most of the women perceived themselves to be at low risk. 22 Knowledge of any condition is only complete if the individual can comprehend all the associated factors of the particular condition. Meanwhile, poor awareness about GDM results in poor preventive and management strategies.…”

Exploring the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Healthy Pregnant Women Towards Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Nigeria

“… Rhoads-Baeza and Reis (2010) in Spain also reported that a few of the participants believed that fate had a role to play in developing the illness, thus anyone who is predestined to develop the illness will, no matter the preventive measures put in place. Although the risk of GDM can be modified by preventive lifestyle practices, Akinwaare et al (2020) in the context of Nigeria discovered that majority of the participants believed that their risk of developing GDM was low thus efforts to prevent the condition were minimal. Similar findings were reported in a study carried out in the southwestern part of Nigeria where about 31% of the participants strongly believed that diseases are a result of spiritual influences ( Adegoke, 2008 ).…”

Gestational diabetes screening and management: the issues of GDM risk factors and phone number documentations

“…1 GDM arises due in part to the aberrations in insulin receptors and signalling and this can resolve after delivery, however, it is established that between 40-60% of GDM patients develop type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in ten to twenty years. 2,3 The various risk factors (RFs) for GDM include older age, overweight and obesity, previous GDM, excessive weight gain during pregnancy, a family history of diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, habitual smoking and a history of stillbirth or giving birth to an infant with a congenital abnormality. 4 Studies have reported a wide range of prevalence values.…”