Polish Women Have Moderate Knowledge of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Breastfeeding Benefits

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a multifaceted disease and is associated with complications for newborns and mothers. The aim of the study was to assess Polish women’s knowledge concerning GDM and their attitude to breastfeeding. As a research tool, an anonymous online survey that included 33 questions, grouped into three main sections—sociodemographic and obstetric variables, risk factors for GDM and neonatal adverse outcomes, and knowledge about breastfeeding—was used and administered online. A total of 410 women aged from 18 to 45 participated in this study. Based on the survey, it was demonstrated that the women had moderate knowledge concerning the maternal risk factors and adverse neonatal outcomes associated with GDM and, additionally, the short- and long-term effects of breastfeeding. Significantly deeper knowledge about GDM, including breastfeeding by GDM mothers, was observed among hyperglycemic mothers in comparison to normoglycemic mothers. However, knowledge concerning the health benefits of breastfeeding was not related to the mothers’ glycemic status. In conclusion, educational programs must include pre-pregnancy education of women and place emphasis on explaining the mechanism of development of GDM and the transformation of GDM to type 2 diabetes. This is crucial for changing the public’s perception of GDM as a temporary, reversible clinical entity.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Its Knowledge and Associated Factors among United Arab Emirates University Students

“…Knowledge levels in our study are similar to those found in the studies in India [ 33 ] and Norway [ 30 ], and to some extent, in the Saudi Arabia study [ 26 ] where 54.8% of the women had fair GDM knowledge, though more participants (33.8%) had poor knowledge than our study population. This proportion is also similar to the Polish study [ 25 ]. Compared to the other UAE study in Sharjah [ 27 ], the GDM knowledge level among our study population is higher.…”

“…A United States study [ 24 ] among 85 pregnant women showed that none could correctly identify GDM risk factors. However, in a survey conducted among Polish women (pregnant and non-pregnant) in 2021, moderate GDM knowledge was noted where up to 47.5% of the women had intermediate GDM knowledge [ 25 ].…”

“…The most popular source of GDM knowledge identified by studies is the internet. Other sources include family members or relatives, friends, school/workplace, hospital, parental books, magazines, and mass media [ 25 , 27 , 31 , 32 , 33 ].…”

Study on the Effect of Early Comprehensive Intervention of Skin Contact Combined with Breastfeeding on Improving Blood Glucose in Early Birth of Newborns with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

“…Hypoglycemia can make the energy source of neonatal brain cell metabolism insufficient, and brain metabolism and other physiological activities cannot be carried out normally [ 15 ]. If neonatal hypoglycemia cannot be treated in time, it may cause irreversible brain damage [ 16 , 17 ].…”

Attitude and Level of COVID-19 Vaccination among Women in Reproductive Age during the Fourth Pandemic Wave: A Cross-Sectional Study in Poland

“…The details concerning the assessment of knowledge levels were adapted from previous studies [ 38 , 39 ]. The following evaluation scale of grading was used: poor (<60%), moderate (60–79%), and detailed (80–100%).…”