Magnitude of Pre-Existing Diabetes Mellitus Among Pregnant Women in Southern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: The presence of maternal diabetes mellitus (DM) during pregnancy has complications for both mother and child. Pre-existing DM can result in higher risk of maternal and child mortality and morbidity. In Ethiopia, the magnitude of pre-existing DM among pregnant women is not well studied. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of pre-existing DM among pregnant women in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods: A retrospective document review was carried out to determine the magnitude of pre-existing DM in three hospitals and four health centers in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. A total of 600 pregnant mothers who attended maternity services at the study health facilities in one year period from January 1, to December 31, 2017 were included in the study. Data were collected from medical records of mothers. Chi-square and logistic regression analysis model were used to check the relationship between pre-existing DM and independent variables.

Results: A total of 600 mothers were included in the analysis. The magnitude of pre-existing DM among mothers receiving maternity care within a one year period was 2.8% (95% CI: 1.5, 4.2). The magnitudes among urban and rural residents were 3.4% and 1.4%, respectively. Pre-existing DM is significantly associated with family history of diabetes (Chi square 24.8, P-value, 0.001). Previous history of spontaneous abortion (aOR: 5.3; 95% CI: 1.6-17.4) and fetal macrosomia (aOR: 3.9; 95% CI: 1.2-13.1), was identified to be significantly associated with pre-existing DM. The magnitude of pre-existing DM is comparable with International Diabetes Federation Estimate to Ethiopia in the study area. Family history of DM was found to be associated with pre-existing DM. Pre-existing DM is associated with increased risk of abortion and fetal macrosomia.

Conclusion: The magnitude of pre-existing DM is comparable with previous estimates to the country. A nationwide, large-scale study is important to estimate the burden of pre-existing DM and associated risk factors among pregnant mothers at national level.