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

Abstract

Introduction The International Diabetes Federation has identified the emergence of gestational diabetes mellitus (DM) (GDM) as an underappreciated threat to maternal and child health. Adequate knowledge, a positive attitude towards prevention, and a positive perception of its danger could motivate pregnant women to take preventive measures. However, there is a dearth of literature on these among women attending antenatal clinics at UCH. This study, therefore aimed to assess pregnant women’s knowledge about GDM, report their attitudes and determine their perception towards GDM. Methods A cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge, attitude and perception towards GDM. A total of 300 pregnant women registered with and attending the antenatal clinic in University College Hospital (UCH), were selected using a random sampling technique. A self-structured questionnaire using a GDM Knowledge Questionnaire and previous research questions on Perception and Attitude was used to collect data from participants. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences 20.0 and hypotheses were tested using chi-square at 0.05 level of significance. Results The mean age of the pregnant women was 30.60 ± 5.88 years. A little over one-fifth of the participants were knowledgeable about GDM. Three-quarters of the participants demonstrated a positive attitude while just a little over half had a positive perception of GDM. A significant association exists between participants’ knowledge about GDM and belief about screening for diabetes during pregnancy ( p = .006). There was a significant association between participants’ attitude and their perception of GDM ( p = .000). A direct significant association was also found between participants’ knowledge and their perceived risk of developing GDM ( p = .000). Discussion While most of the pregnant women had poor knowledge about GDM, more than half of the pregnant women had positive attitudes towards GDM. A little over average possesses a positive perception towards GDM. Healthcare providers should intensify efforts in formulating appropriate methods to increase awareness with emphasis on the risks associated with GDM.