Satisfaction with diagnosis process for gestational diabetes mellitus and risk perception among Australian women

Objective: To evaluate satisfaction with diagnosis, risk perceptions, and health beliefs among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods: In a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study, participants with GDM diagnosed after 26weeks of pregnancy were recruited from hospital-based services at Monash Health (Melbourne, VIC, Australia) and through newspaper advertisements between 2008 and 2010. Eligible participants-aged at least 18years and able to read English-completed a questionnaire.

Results: Among 46 women who completed the questionnaire, 38 (83%) were satisfied with the explanation of the GDM screening test and 31 (67%) felt that the results were explained well. Generally, women were satisfied with the information provided about lifestyle management (29 [81%] of 36) and medical therapy (26 [72%] of 36). Most women (41 [89%]) associated poor GDM control with perinatal complications. Additionally, many participants thought that insulin (35 [76%]) and lifestyle changes (30 [65%]) could reduce macrosomia. A total of 37 (82%) of 45 women perceived that they were at risk of future GDM, and 33 (73%) thought they had an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Most women believed that they could change these risks (29 [64%] and 37 [82%] of 45, respectively).

Conclusion: Women were largely positive about their experience of GDM diagnosis. Explanation of the screening test and provision of information could be improved. Risk perception was reasonable.