Background/Aims An increasing prevalence rate of gestational diabetes mellitus has been recorded in developing countries including Nigeria, yet it is largely a preventable condition. There is a lack of literature on the perception of risk and prevention of gestational diabetes among pregnant women in Ibadan, Nigeria. The aim of this study was to determine perception of risk and knowledge of preventative measures among pregnant women in Ibadan, Nigeria. This will inform health professionals on possible improvements to the education available on diabetes and preventive measures. Methods A descriptive survey was used to study 182 purposively selected pregnant women. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on participants' knowledge of diabetes and their perception of the risk of developing diabetes. The chi-squared test was used to test the association between knowledge of diabetes and perception of risk. Results The majority (56%) of participants had poor knowledge of gestational diabetes. The majority (55.5%) of respondents thought themselves to be at low risk of developing gestational diabetes. The majority (59.9%) of pregnant women also had poor knowledge of preventive measures against gestational diabetes. There was a significant association between knowledge of gestational diabetes and perception of increased risk (P<0.000). There was a significant association between education level and knowledge of preventive measures for gestational diabetes (P=0.030). Conclusions There is poor knowledge of diabetes and preventive measures against it among pregnant women in Ibadan, Nigeria. Health professionals should improve women's knowledge of gestational diabetes, predisposing factors, risks and preventive measures against gestational diabetes by including education on this subject in the antenatal education provided.
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