TITLE:
Knowledge on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Its Predictors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Visits at Two Health Facilities in Buea, South-West Region of Cameroon
AUTHORS:
Takamo Peter, Tanyi Pride Bobga, Ghislain Dema, Enoh Junior Enoh, Fankoua Tchaptchet Luc Baudoin, Egbe Cyril Obi, Odette Kibu, Aboudou Mbom Marie-Ange, Akoko Kezah Akoko, Abdel Jelil Njouendou
KEYWORDS:
Gestational Diabetes, Knowledge, Predictors, Pregnant Women
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.14 No.3,
March
24,
2026
ABSTRACT: Background: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a considerable public health problem, especially in low-resource communities, where a lack of knowledge among pregnant women may hinder optimal control. This study was aimed at assessing the knowledge of gestational diabetes mellitus and its predictors among pregnant women attending antenatal visits at two health facilities in Buea, South-West Region of Cameroon. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 500 pregnant women, selected using the convenience sampling technique. Data were collected through the administration of an interviewer-administered questionnaire designed using Epi Info version 7.2.5.0. The questionnaire determined the knowledge about screening, treatment, and complications of GDM. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses were undertaken with the aim of determining predictors of knowledge of GDM. Results: The mean age of the participants was 28.87 years (SD = 5.33). Just 32.4%(95% CI [28.3, 36.5]) had adequate knowledge about GDM screening, treatment, and complications. The level of knowledge was strongly predicted by age (18 - 25 years: aOR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.52 - 6.75, p = 0.002), number of children (1 - 2 children: aOR = 4.0, 95% CI: 1.174 - 13.775, p = 0.027; 3 - 4 children: aOR = 4.8, 95% CI: 1.063 - 21.84, p = 0.041), and marital status (married: aOR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.072 - 1.762, p = 0.016). Also, participants with no formal education (aOR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.124 - 0.991, p Conclusion: This study reveals a huge knowledge gap regarding GDM among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Buea. To address this, we suggest policy-making interventions to introduce structured programs provided by healthcare professionals, and specific strategies should be employed regarding older, primiparous, and less-educated women. These initiatives are vital in alleviating GDM morbidity levels and establishing effective national recommendations.