Awareness of pregnant women about glucose tolerance test and the effect of media on test preferences

Abstract

Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a serious problem that threatens maternal and neonatal health. It is recommended to have an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24-28 weeks of gestation. Recently, perceptions and preferences of pregnant women about GDM screening may be affected by the news in the media. In this study, it was aimed to determine the awareness of pregnant women about GDM screening and the effect of the media on their test preferences. Material and Method: This descriptive study was conducted with a total of 111 pregnant women who applied to the pregnancy outpatient clinic of an education and research hospital in Ankara between June and December 2017 and who were admitted in the first 28 weeks of gestation. “Data Collection Form” created by the researchers was used to collect the data. Research data were analyzed by SPSS 22.00. Number, percentage and mean+standard deviation were used for descriptive statistics. Finding: The average age of pregnant women participating in the study is 29.72 (± 5.78) and 45.9% of them are their first pregnancy. 38.7% of the participants stated that they have diabetes mellitus diagnosed in their family. 12.6% of the participants stated that they do not know OGTT. They were asked whether they had OGTT before and 12.7% stated that they did not do it with statements such as "I did not see it, I did not want it and I did not do it because I thought it was harmful". 64% of all participants stated that they received information about this test and 34.2% stated that the source of information was doctor, 26.1% internet and 13.5% nurse. 38.7% of the pregnant women stated that they watch TV for 1-2 hours a day, and 28.8% for 2-4 hours. Participants stated that TV programs can affect their health-related decisions, albeit a little. Pregnant women were asked about their decision to have OGTT, 17.1% of them stated that they would not have OGTT. Conclusion: It was determined that the knowledge and awareness of pregnant women about OGTT was not at the desired level, and the media affected their decision-making a little.