KNOWLEDGE OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS AMONG WOMEN ATTENDING SELECTED HOSPITALS IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Abstract
Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is pregnancy related diabetes caused by increased insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Majority of the women have limited or no knowledge on GDM.
Objectives: This study therefore aimed at assessing demographic characteristics and knowledge of GDM among women.
Design; Cross-sectional study was employed.
Setting: The study sites were Pumwani Maternity Hospital (PMH) and Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital (MLKH) both in Nairobi County, Kenya. These hospitals were purposively sampled because they matched the unique characteristics of the desired population. Period for study was between October to December 2024.
Participants: Fisher’s formula was used to determine the sample size, which yielded 141 participants from each facility. Data was collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire guided by Patient Diabetic Knowledge.
Main outcome measure: Level of knowledge among GDM mothers.
Results: A total of 128 (90%) mothers participated in the study, (PMH; 71 [100%]; MLKH 57 [80%]). Most 82% (n=105) of the mothers were married, 75.8% (n=97) self-employed, and 55.5% (n-71) were aged between 35-49 years, there was a strong significant difference between the two hospitals regarding level of education (X2=15.687, d=3, P= 0.0001). Majority 91.4% (n = 117) of women had poor knowledge of GDM, and only 8.6% (n = 11) revealed moderate knowledge. Conclusion: Many women were in the advanced age and had poor GDM knowledge on risk factors, clinical features, management, prevention and consequences associated with GDM. Hence, health education to GDM mothers was recommended.
