Effect of Web-Based Education on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Health Management Self Efficacy (GDM)

Effect of Web-Based Education Related to Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on Women Health Management Self Efficacy and Maternal-Fetal-Neonatal Results

This randomized controlled study aimed to examine the effect of web-based education related to Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on women health management self-efficacy and maternal-fetal-neonatal results.

Objective: To examine the effect of web-based education related to Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on women health management self-efficacy and maternal-fetal-neonatal results. Design: Randomized controlled study. Patients: Thirty one pregnant women were included in the intervention group and thirty four pregnant women in the control group. Interventions: For 8 weeks, web-based education for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus was offered to pregnant women who diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus for the first time. The data were collected before web-based education, after web-based education and postpartum between 4-12 weeks at three different times. Control group was offered routine clinical procedure. Main Outcome Measures: health management self efficacy (primary outcomes), maternal-fetal-neonatal results (secondary outcome).

In addition to routine care, web-based education was offered to pregnant women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Self Rated Abilities for Health Practices Scale: Self Rated Abilities for Health Practices Scale: The 5-point Likert scale was adapted for Turkish version by Aypar Akbağ and Aluş Tokat (Aypar Akbağ and Aluş Tokat, 2021). The scale consists of 4 sub-dimensions: "Exercise"," Responsible Health Practices", "Psychological Well Being" and "Nutrition". (from 0 (not at all) to 4 (completely). The scale total-score ranged between 0 and 112, while subscale total-scores ranging from 0 to 28 points. The higher scores from the scale indicate higher self-efficacy levels for the health applications.

The chart was used to evaluate the maternal (ketoacidosis, preeclampsia, polyhydramnios, preterm labor, vaginal or urinary infection), fetal (macrosomia, Intrauterine Growth Retardation) and neonatal (neonatal hypoglycemia, polycythemia and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, duration of treatment for hyperbilirubinemia, Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), hypothermia, dehydration) complications of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Complications during pregnancy and postpartum period were followed up. Complication follow-up was done by contacting the intervention group via the website. In the control group, complication follow-up was obtained by phone calls.

Inclusion Criteria: Being 18 years or older Being primigravida or multigravida Getting a diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Having a gestational week between 24-28 Having a single fetus Ability to use the Internet (Computer, tablet, smart phone, etc.) Voluntary participation in the research Exclusion Criteria: Having a diagnosis of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Having another chronic disease Having a visual or hearing impairment Having a psychiatric medical diagnosis Having a diagnosis of risky pregnancy not related to GDM