Work

Knowledge of gestational diabetes mellitus and its sociodemographic determinants among pregnant women in Bangladesh: a nationwide facility-based cross-sectional study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives To assess knowledge regarding gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) among pregnant women attending antenatal care facilities in Bangladesh and identify sociodemographic factors independently associated with good knowledge. Design Nationwide facility-based cross-sectional study. Setting Seventy diabetes screening centres and affiliated antenatal care facilities of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh (BADAS) across urban and rural Bangladesh. Participants Of 6631 women retained in the parent-study analytical cohort, 6120 women aged 18–45 years with an observed knowledge outcome were included in the present analysis. Participants were recruited consecutively during routine antenatal care visits between November 2019 and October 2020. Primary outcome measures Knowledge regarding GDM was assessed using an interviewer-administered questionnaire comprising six pregnancy-specific domains adapted from a previously validated Bangladeshi instrument (Cronbach’s α=0.72). Responses were scored from 0 to 6, and good knowledge (score>5) was analysed using population-averaged generalised estimating equations (GEEs) with centre as the clustering unit. Results Among 6120 women with an observed knowledge outcome, 23.2% had poor knowledge, 66.9% had average knowledge and 9.9% demonstrated good knowledge regarding GDM. In centre-clustered multivariable GEE analysis, middle household expenditure (adjusted OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.54), urban residence (adjusted OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.02 to 3.07), family history of diabetes (adjusted OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.45), receipt of preconception care (adjusted OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.55) and absence of previous pregnancy complications (adjusted OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.55) were independently associated with good knowledge. Maternal age, educational attainment and occupation were not independently associated with good knowledge. Conclusions Knowledge regarding GDM among pregnant women attending BADAS-affiliated antenatal care facilities in Bangladesh was suboptimal, with significant socioeconomic and urban–rural disparities. Strengthening structured GDM counselling within routine antenatal and preconception care may improve maternal health education and support earlier detection and management of GDM.

Source: BMJ Open

DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2026-122080