Manuscript Title:

IMPACT OF PATIENT-CENTERED AND SELF-CARE EDUCATION ON GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS MANAGEMENT IN A TERTIARY CARE SETTING IN PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN

Author:

RIFFAT, Datin Dr. HAFIZAH CHE HASSAN, Dr. FAZIA GHAFFAR

DOI Number:

DOI:10.5281/zenodo.16315231

Published : 2025-07-23

About the author(s)

1. RIFFAT - PhD Candidate, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Lincoln University College, Wisma Lincoln, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
2. Datin Dr. HAFIZAH CHE HASSAN - Professor, Department of Applied Sciences, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Lincoln University College Malaysia, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
3. Dr. FAZIA GHAFFAR - HOD/Assistant Professor, Department of Food & Nutrition Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan.

Full Text : PDF

Abstract

Background: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) poses significant risks to maternal and neonatal health, particularly in low-resource settings. Patient-centered education has emerged as a critical strategy to empower women with GDM to effectively manage their circumstance. Nevertheless, partial suggestion exists on the effectiveness of organized self-care learning plans in, KPK, Pakistan. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an organized self-care education module on glycemic control and maternal neonatal effects among women diagnosed with GDM in a tertiary care setting. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test control group design was employed from November 2024 to March 2025 at a tertiary hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan. A total of 220 pregnant women diagnosed with GDM were enrolled through purposive sampling, with 110 each in the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received a structured, culturally tailored education program based on international DSMES guidelines, delivered over four weeks, while the control group received standard antenatal care. Outcomes, including fasting blood sugar (FBS), random blood sugar (RBS), HbA1c, BMI, and selected maternal and neonatal parameters, were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results: post-intervention, the intervention group demonstrated statistically significant reductions in FBS (6.24 mg/dL), RBS (10.03 mg/dL), and HbA1c (0.42%) (p < 0.001). Improvements were also noted in BMI and maternal-neonatal outcomes such as reduced rates of cesarean delivery, preeclampsia, and NICU admissions. These results underscore the effectiveness of structured education in enhancing self-care practices and medical consequences in women with GDM. Conclusion: The findings highlight the vital role of culturally contextualized, organized self-care education in refining the management of GDM. Implementation of such interventions at the community and institutional levels could significantly reduce adverse outcomes associated with GDM in resource-constrained settings.


Keywords

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Self-Care Education, Glycemic Control, Maternal Outcomes, Quasi-Experimental, Pakistan.