Awareness about Gestational Diabetes  Mellitus among Antenatal Women  Attending tertiary Care Hospital

Dr. B. Mahalakshmi; Dr. A. Meriton Stanly; Dr. Vanishree

Volume : II, Issue : X, October - 2013

Awareness about Gestational Diabetes Mellitus among Antenatal Women Attending tertiary Care Hospital

Dr. B. Mahalakshmi, Dr. A. Meriton Stanly, Dr. Vanishree

Abstract :

Introduction: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus is a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality, as well as maternal morbidity .The growing burden of this disease necessitates understanding of its basic facts by antenatal women. Objectives: To assess the level of awareness about GDM, its risk factors, treatment, complications and prevention among antenatal women at tending antenatal clinic in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A cross–sectional study was conducted with 360 antenatal women who have completed 32 weeks of gestation attending Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Chennai , Tamilnadu. After obtaining informed consent, a pretested questionnaire was administered by the investigator . Results: The age of the antenatal women ranged from 20yrs – 33yrs, mean age 25yrs. Majority had undergone high school education 48%. 52% of them were primigravida, 88% of them have heard about Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. 32% of them knew one or more of its risk factors. 12% were aware about one or more of its maternal complications. 16% knew one or more of the foetal complications.60% did not know that GDM can recur. 56% were not aware about the treatment modalities. Conclusion: It is very essential that spreading awareness about GDM by health professionals, media, other NGOs with community participation will go a long way in substantially decreasing the burden of this disease in the future.