Abstract
Background: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is recognized as one of the most common preventable diseases related to perinatal and maternal deaths. Despite the high prevalence of the condition worldwide, research cites limited knowledge about the affected population of pregnant women in Saudi Arabia. The main aim of this study was to assess pregnant women’s knowledge of GDM and its implications for the mother and fetus. Methods and Materials: The study utilized an interview-based questionnaire-based cross-sectional study design that targeted pregnant women coming for antenatal care visits in public health care centers in Riyadh city. Results: One hundred and forty-three pregnant women participated. 35.5% of the population had adequate knowledge of GDM and its implications, 34.7% did not have enough understanding of the condition, and a further 29.8% were not aware of the complication. Knowledge about GDM was found to be statistically significant only with the number of pregnancies (p=0.03). Conclusion: Saudi pregnant women seem to have an inadequate knowledge scope of GDM and its implications to their health and those of their children. Specialized medical institutions and public health initiatives need to implement interventions to raise the awareness of the condition to help in earlier diagnosis and better management of the condition. Key words: Saudi pregnant women, knowledge, Gestational diabetes mellitus , Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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