Assessment of the effectiveness of group education on knowledge for women with newly diagnosed gestational diabetes.

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is identified in pregnancy and resolves following delivery. It increases maternal and foetal morbidity and may increase risk of future type 2 diabetes. Women diagnosed with GDM need high-quality multidisciplinary education in order to apply necessary changes to their diet and lifestyle. There is a paucity of information on the effectiveness of group education for women with GDM.

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a multidisciplinary group intervention delivered by a specialist midwife and dietitian on women's knowledge of GDM.

Methods: All women with a diagnosis of GDM were invited to attend a multidisciplinary group educational session on lifestyle and GDM management. Participants were invited to complete a questionnaire before and after the educational intervention; only individuals who completed both questionnaires were included. The questionnaire reviewed knowledge of suitable diet, implications of GDM diagnosis and management of GDM.

Results: A total of 716 women completed both questionnaires; mean age of the participants was 34 years. Just under half of women (46.9%, n = 333) were primiparous. The majority of the women (62.5%, n = 439) were Irish; 53.4% (n = 382) had a family history of diabetes. There was a significant increase in median score for knowledge following the educational intervention (pre-intervention score 8 (-2-12); post-intervention score 12 (1-12); p < 0.001).

Conclusions: This study demonstrates the benefit of a multidisciplinary group educational session delivered by a specialized midwife and a dietitian on pregnant women's knowledge and understanding of GDM.