INVESTIGATION OF ADHERENCE TO POSTPARTUM DIABETES SCREENING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PATIENTS WITH GESTATIONAL DIABETES, IN TURKEY; A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Context: The first study delves into the postpartum diabetes screening during the postpartum 3^rd month period and exploration of non-compliance reasons.

Objective: The primary aim of this study is to examine the adherence to postpartum diabetes screening recommendations among women with gestational diabetes in Turkey.

Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 783 postpartum women diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

Materials and methods: Participants were categorized into three groups based on their screening behavior. Group 1 did not undergo any postpartum screening, Group 2 only underwent fasting plasma glucose (FPG) or HbA1c tests, and Group 3 only underwent oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT). Data on demographic characteristics and reasons for non-compliance were collected.

Results: Only 3.45% of women complied while 55.81% did not undergo any screening. Adherence was significantly higher among primigravid women. Statistically significant differences were observed based on education level, GDM treatment method, and information received during pregnancy or postpartum (p<0.001). The most common reason for non-compliance was normal FPG values observed post-delivery.

Conclusion: This study emphasizes the crucial need for enhanced education and information provision to high-risk women diagnosed with gestational diabetes, both during pregnancy and the postpartum period, particularly during their hospital stay.