Authors (including presenting author) :
Shiu WY, Cheung MC, Lai SY
Affiliation :
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, United Christian Hospital
Introduction :
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as a glucose intolerance which is diagnosed in pregnancy. GDM is associated with an increased risk of complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. From the studies of the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2016, it is estimated that at least 20% of pregnant women in Hong Kong have GDM, significantly higher than the 12% recorded 25 years ago. An education talk was given to the newly diagnosed women at antenatal ward since 2014. Although the pregnant women were satisfied with the talk, GDM knowledge was not evaluated after the talk. The aim of this project is to establish a GDM education program in order to consolidate the women’s GDM knowledge.
Objectives :
To investigate the effectiveness of the education program by evaluating the women’s GDM knowledge and evaluating the perception of the women toward the program.
Methodology :
The education program as a pilot was conducted at the antenatal ward by midwives. Women who were newly diagnosed GDM, speaking in Cantonese and willing to participate would be included in the study. Eighty-two pregnant women joined the program during July 2018 to March 2019.
The education program includes:
1) GDM information file to be read and answer before the group education.
2) Small group (1-5 women) GDM education and discussion was conducted by a
midwife for 15-20mins at antenatal ward.
3) GDM pamphlet was given at the end of the program.
Pre- and Post- questionnaire was given to evaluate the women’s GDM knowledge before and after the group education. Satisfactory survey was given to evaluate the women’s perception to the education program.
Result & Outcome :
Comparing the pre- and post- questionnaire, the mean score of GDM knowledge was increased from 66.5/100(pre) to 85.5/100 (post), which was increased 28.6%. All women strongly agreed that the program enhance their GDM knowledge and misconception were clarified. All of them showed less worry about GDM and were satisfied with the program.
GDM small group education program increased the women’s GDM knowledge by providing information, clarifying queries and discussion. The women were able to realize the importance of GDM control, the risks and the outcomes of uncontrolled GDM.It is important for health care providers to take a proactive approach to create women’s awareness of better GDM control to refrain from the adverse outcome.
