Pregnant Women Knowledge On The Consequence And Risks Factors Of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus And Self Care Measures In Uyo

1.2 Statement Of The Problem

GDM is estimated to occur in about 5.5-8.8% of all pregnancies, associated with both morbidity and mortality in both mother and child. It may also damage the health of the fetus or the mother. Another major concern is that about 20 to 50of women with GDM develop type 2 diabetes and obesity later in life.

The association between risk perception and behaviour has been inconsistent, with some studies demonstrating an association between risk perception and preventive behaviours but others not finding such an association (Ferrer and Klein, 2015). One explanation for these inconsistencies is that the links between behaviour and risk perception are poorly speci?ed (Alberti and Zimmet, 1998). Another explanation is that other factors that may affect risk perception are not adequately accounted for in the analysis. These factors include knowledge of diabetes risk factors, the degree to which a woman believes that risk is modi?ed by her actions (perceived personal control) and one?s assessment of their risk compared with others like them (optimistic bias) (Metzger et al, 2016).

There has been no report exploring the ways in which diabetes risk perception is associated with preventive behaviours in women with histories of gestational diabetes, particularly after accounting for knowledge of diabetes risk factors, perceived personal control, and optimistic bias. Appropriate care of pregnant women throughout pregnancy has a significant contribution on the growth and development of the unborn child and has a crucial role in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. This study aimed to assess the Knowledge and attitude of gestational diabetes among pregnant women attending Uyo maternal and child centre Akwa-Ibom state, which will contribute to planning effective preventive interventions of diabetes in pregnancy.

1.3 Objective of the study

The main objective of the study is to assess the pregnant women knowledge on the consequence and risks factors of gestational diabetes mellitus and self care measures in uyo, Akwa-Ibom state. Specifically, the study aims to

1. Determine the effects of GDM on pre-natal complications.

2. Discuss the pattern, risk factors, morbidity/mortality, and complications of gestational diabetes.

3. To propose strategies for prevention of GDM among pregnant women.

4. The study will also facilitate further study from where this project paused for academic excellence.

1.4 Research Questions

1. Does GDM affect pre-natal complications?

2. Does GDM affect the morbidity and mortality rate of pregnant women and their babies?

3. Are there strategies for the prevention GDM among pregnant women?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The hypothesis of this study is that Gestational Diabetes Mellitus is given as:

Ho: GDM does not significantly impact on pre-natal complications

Hi: GDM significantly impact on pre-natal complications.

1.6 Significance Of The Study

The health system is faced with an increase in Gestational diabetes mellitus. Therefore, pregnancy complication will require increased resource to manage appropriate glycemic control during pregnancy and reduce adverse prenatal outcomes (Obasi et al; 2017). In addition ~50% of women with GDM are expected to develop type 2 diabetes within 5years of index pregnancy (Patrick et al; 2020). Recent clinical trials have shown that health behaviours such as diet and physical activities prevent or delay onset of diabetes (Tuomilehto et al; 2021, knowler et al; 2018). Such behaviours interventions have been shown to be cost effective at a higher level than a pharmacological intervention (Hernan et al; 2019). Therefore, clinicians will increasingly have to primate plasma glucose testing and improved health behaviours at post-partum visits of women who had GDM to prevent development of diabetes and recurrent GDM. Also, some physicians may not recognize that women with GDM are at risk of diabetes.

1.7 Delimitation Of The Study

This study on the pregnant women knowledge on the consequence and risks factors of gestational diabetes mellitus and self care measures in uyo, Akwa-Ibom state. The delimitations of this study significantly narrow the scope of the research. Some of these delimitations include:

1. Participation in this study is voluntary.

2. The population is restricted to pregnant women in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom state.

3. The sample is limited to pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

4. Only few hospitals (antenatal clinics) are involved in the study out of many clinics in Uyo metropolis.

5. Religious and cultural belief affects women participation in the study.

1.8 Limitation of the study

This research work is specifically on the Knowledge and attitude of gestational diabetes among pregnant women attending Uyo maternal and child centre Akwa-Ibom state. In the limitation on research work of this magnitude or nature can be carried out without limitation. Hence, during the course, certain constraints were encountered.

? Cost: the cost of thorough research is not what can be afforded by a student. The prices of materials needed for this work has gone up and transport fee has also gone up.

? Time: the time was one of the limitations in the process of carrying out this research work.

? Scarcity Of Literature: The research encountered some problems in collection of literature especially on the bank History and operations. This are hindered the smooth running of this work.