O-65 Screening for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in a primary care setting, East Trinidad: 2018-2020.
Author(s):
A Bridgelal-Gonzales, S Motilal
Year of Presentation:
2023
Objective: To estimate the prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) in primary care using the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups
(IADPSG) criteria. Secondarily, to determine the risk factors associated with GDM and primary care physicians’
adherence to the IADPSG recommendations in the diagnosis of GDM.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2018 to December 2020 at three public primary care health centres in East Trinidad. Data collected from the consecutively sampled, antenatal health records included demographic data, risk factors for GDM, the oral glucose tolerance test readings at booking visit and at 24-28 weeks gestation. The data was analysed using the chi-squared test and univariate logistic regression.
Results: Of the 256 health records, 78.9% of the women were screened for GDM. The estimated prevalence of GDM in primary care in East Trinidad, 2018-2020 was 9.9%. Of the women who met the criteria for GDM, 60% were diagnosed as GDM cases by the health care providers. The variables significantly associated with GDM were Age≥25 years (OR 6.22, p=0.016), and Family History of DM (OR 3.28, p=0.025). Hyperglycaemia in pregnancy was significantly associated with Age≥25 years (OR 4.67, p=0.016), Family History of DM (OR 3.32, p=0.024) and BMI (OR 1.14, p=0.024) when adjusted for gestational age.
Conclusion: In East Trinidad, 2018-2020, one of every ten women attending the antenatal clinics in primary care screened positive for GDM. Health services must ensure to screen and manage such patients and that health care providers receive continuous medical education to ensure guidance adherence.