Factors Associated With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Rural Areas of Limpopo Province: A Descriptive Analysis

Abstract

Background: Sustainable Developmental Goal (SDG) no 3 of the United Nations Organisation places emphasise on ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being of all people of all age groups. Yet the prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is increasing and this can have an adverse impact on maternal and infant health and well-being. Currently, more studies have been conducted in International countries on prevalence and risk factors of GDM and few in South African Context. The current study sought to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, maternal and infant outcomes of women with gestational diabetes mellitus in Mopani District. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted amongst pregnant women during Antenatal Care Clinic Visits at Nkhensani Hospital, Nkhensani Gateway clinic and Giyani Healthcare Centre. Information from participants was collected using adapted questionnaire from Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Centre DCP 2.0 and data entry form, captured on Microsoft excel spread sheet and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: One hundred and one (101) pregnant women (74%) who were attending antenatal care clinic visits at Nkhensani Hospital, Nkhensani Gateway Clinic and Giyani Healthcare Centre completed the questionnaire. Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) in Mopani District was 1.9% (2 women). Pregnant women above 30 years with secondary education, employed, obese and at gestational age of 31-35 weeks were more likely to present with GDM. A family history of diabetes was significantly associated with development of GDM. Conclusions: The use of various GDM screening strategies across population and countries resulted in discrepancies in the prevalence rate. Universal GDM screening strategy which will benefit our socioeconomic and clinical context to ensure that the true burden of GDM is determined needs to be adopted.

The Bible and distortion of culture: Normalised distortions of Vhavenḓa culture through the Bible

“…In the family context, this role was often fulfilled by makhadzi [a father's sister], but it was not only limited to makhadzi (Matshidze 2013). The role of communicating with the ancestors is also fulfilled by vhomaine [traditional doctors], who will occasionally or from time to time be called within the family (Ntshauba 2011). There is also a proverb, which says, 'Tshifhavhadzimu ha lali na nḓala' [the one who gives to the ancestors does go to sleep hungry].…”