Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Among Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study in Ghana

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a global public health issue that have serious consequences on mother and her child’s health. However, limited data is available on the prevalence of GDM and its associated risk factors in Ghana. This study investigated the prevalence and associated risk factors of GDM among women attending selected antenatal clinics in Kumasi, Ghana. This cross-sectional study included 200 pregnant women who attended antenatal clinics from Three-selected health facilities in the Ashanti Region, Ghana. Women already diagnosed of GDM were identified through their medical records and were confirmed based on the criteria of the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG), which uses a fasting blood glucose of ≥ 5.1 mmol/L. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic, obstetric, clinical and lifestyle risk factors. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the independent risk factors of GDM. The overall prevalence of GDM among study participants was 8.5%. GDM was prevalent among age 26 and 30 years (41.2%), married participants (94.1%) with basic education (41.2%) and being Akan by ethnicity (52.9%). Previous history of oral contraceptive use (aOR: 13.05; 95% CI: 1.43–119.23, p=0.023), previous history of preeclampsia (aOR: 19.30; 95% CI: 2.15-71.63; p=0.013) and intake of soda drinks (aOR: 10.05, 95% CI: 1.19–84.73, p=0.034) were found to be independent risk factors of GDM. The prevalence of GDM was found to be 8.5% and this was associated with the previous use of oral contraceptives, history of preeclampsia and intake of soda drinks. Public health education and dietary lifestyle modification may be required for pregnant women who are at risk of GDM.

Influence of Anemia on Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes among Pregnant Women in Tripoli, Libya

“…This in quite similar to the observation from a previous studies conducted in Peru that reported prevalence of GDM was 16% [15]. On the contrary, the observed prevalence of this study higher compared to others studies done in Ghana 8.5% [16], Nigeria 8.3% [17], 10% in Korea [18], and 6% in the USA [19]. However, the obtained result in the current study was lower than the GDM prevalence among Bangladeshi pregnant women was 35% [20].…”

Proportion and factors influencing client satisfaction with delivery services in health facilities in the Sissala East Municipality, Ghana: A cross‐sectional study

“…5,6 Reduction in maternal mortality can be achieved by making health services available, accessible, and of quality to women in cases of complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. [7][8][9] The most common evidence-based practice for improving quality care includes active referral and actionable information systems, adequate flow of communication, respect, dignity preservation, supporting women emotionally, engagement of talented and motivated human resources, and making available essential physical infrastructure or resources. 10 Client satisfaction could be viewed as the difference between the healthcare services delivered and the needs of the client.…”

“…Previous studies showed that preterm birth and stillbirths are associated with maternal problems, such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, nonobstetric complications, obstetric hemorrhage, and pregnancy‐related infections 5,6 . Reduction in maternal mortality can be achieved by making health services available, accessible, and of quality to women in cases of complications related to pregnancy and childbirth 7–9 . The most common evidence‐based practice for improving quality care includes active referral and actionable information systems, adequate flow of communication, respect, dignity preservation, supporting women emotionally, engagement of talented and motivated human resources, and making available essential physical infrastructure or resources 10…”

Factors associated with knowledge and hypoglycemia experience among patients with diabetes mellitus in Ghana: A cross‐sectional study

“…The high rates of morbidity and mortality observed in individuals with DM are mostly attributed to the occurrence of adverse complications. Diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, gestational diabetes, and hypoglycemia are the most serious acute metabolic complications of the disease [6][7][8], although generally preventable.…”