Knowledge and Practices of Female Teachers about Gestational Diabetes in Jizan Province, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Aim of Study: To assess the knowledge and practices of female teachers in Jizan Province about gestational diabetes (GD), and to identify factors associated with poor knowledge and practices related to the prevention of GD. Methods: This study followed an analytical cross-sectional research design conducted in Jizan Province, Saudi Arabia. A total of 300 female teachers were included. The inclusion criteria were being a married, Saudi female teacher, aged 20-52 years, who has at least one-year experience in Jizan Province at the start of data collection, with at least one child. An electronic on-line questionnaire was developed by the researchers. The study questionnaire included participants’ personal characteristics, past and family histories of GD and/or diabetes mellitus, in addition to questions to assess their knowledge and practices regarding GD. Results: The study included 300 female teachers. Their main knowledge gaps about GD were related to timing for screening (58.3%), necessary investigations (50%), its management (31.7%) and repeated pregnancies as a risk factor (24.3%). Participants’ healthy practices were physical exercise (53.3%), maintaining a healthy diet (66.7%) and following a diet to prevent being overweight (66.7%). Healthy practices during pregnancy included checking blood sugar (71%), watching body weight gain (74.7%) and keeping on healthy diets (83.7%). More than one-quarter of participants (29.7%) had poor knowledge, while 34% had poor practices. Participants’ knowledge levels differed significantly according to their qualification levels (p=0.048), having a family member working in the healthcare field (p=0.035), being currently diabetic (p=0.006), having a past history of GD (p<0.001), and having a positive family history of GD (p=0.005). Participants’ practice levels differed significantly according to their residence (p=0.012), experience in teaching (p=0.028), and having a family member in the healthcare field (p=0.002). Participants’ practice levels differed significantly according to being currently diabetic (p=0.011). Conclusions: Female teachers’ knowledge and practices about GD in Jizan Province are suboptimal. Female teachers’ knowledge is better among more experienced teachers, those with a higher level of education, in addition to diabetic teachers and those with a family history of diabetes. More experienced teachers, and those with a family history of the GD have the highest level of good practices. The most frequent sources for teachers of information about GD are relatives/friends. Key Words: Gestational diabetes, diabetes mellitus, knowledge, practices, teachers