SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS INFLUENCE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF PREGNANT WOMEN TOWARDS GESTATIONAL DIABETES IN KOSTI GYNAECOLOGY CENTERS, 2021-2022

Background: Abnormal glucose tolerance that develops or is first recognized during pregnancy is known as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Objectives: This study aimed to identify sociodemographic factors influence knowledge, attitude and practice of pregnant women towards gestational diabetes in Kosti Gynecology centers, 2021-2022. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study health facility based. The study was conducted in Kosti gynecology centers, 2022. The study population was pregnant women were in Kosti gynecology centers recruited for the study. The data was collected through predesigned structured interviewed questionnaire. The questionnaire includes variables of Knowledge about GDM. Results: The study showed that the age 15-25 years was significantly having high good knowledge and practice and positive attitude 61 (100%), p=.000. Women being illiterate and having primary/ basic level had significantly high good knowledge, positive attitude and good practice about GDM 13 ( 00%), 34 (100%) respectively, p=.000. Women whose monthly income less than 10000 SDG significantly having high good knowledge, positive attitude and good practice about GDM 47 (100%), p=.000. Women who having family size less than 4 members was significantly having high good knowledge 91.9%, high positive attitude 88.4% and high good practice (100%), p=.000. The overall mean knowledge of pregnant women regarding GDM was (14.3.8 ±1.7), the overall mean attitude was (12.4±.4) and the overall practice was (9.8 ±.3). There was significance differences between overall mean knowledge, attitude and practice, p=.000. There was significant positive correlation between overall knowledge and attitude (r=.780, p=.000), and correlation between overall knowledge and practice (r=.770, p=.000). Also correlation was found between overall practice and attitude (r=.978, p=.000). Conclusion: It can be concluded that age, education level, family structure, and monthly income significantly affect pregnant women's knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward GDM. There was a positive correlation between women's knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding GDM. The findings of this study will assist health care providers in formulating appropriate methods to successfully implement GDM program activities and improve pregnant women's knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward GDM, taking into account the influence of sociodemographic characteristics.