Impact of a tailored-care education programme on maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women with gestational diabetes: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction patient education is a key component of positive pregnancy and childbearing experiences, especially in women with gestational diabetes (GDM). Scant studies assessed the impact of tailored self-care education on pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study aimed to assess the effect of a tailored-care education programme on maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women with GDM during pregnancy and at birth. Methods this was a randomized controlled trial conducted in a university hospital in the centre of Tunisia, from October 2020 to May 2021. The intervention group (n=61) received a self-care education programme with the usual care plan for GDM, while the control group received only the usual care plan (n=60). This trial was registered in the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry under the registration number PACTR202106591503674. Results at baseline, there was no significant difference between groups in terms of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. The findings showed that the intervention significantly reduced maternal and neonatal hospitalizations (p=0.000), caesarean section (p=0.002), preterm labour (p=0.002), macrosomia (p=0.000), foetal distress (p=0.001), newborn respiratory complication (p=0.01) and hypoglycaemia (p=0.000). Conclusion implementing a tailored-care education for pregnant women with GDM had a positive impact on mother and infant clinical outcomes. Midwives and endocrinologists should use this programme to reduce maternal and neonatal complications during and after pregnancy.