Ethics code: IR.AJUMS.REC.1401.131
1- Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
2- Diabetes Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
3- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
4- Reproductive Health Promotion Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
2- Diabetes Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
3- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
4- Reproductive Health Promotion Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Abstract: (29 Views)
Objective (s): Gestational diabetes is a common disease that affects pregnant women and leads to potential complications for both the mother and the fetus. Effective management of gestational diabetes is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes. However, adherence to self-care behaviors among pregnant women with gestational diabetes remains suboptimal, highlighting the need for innovative educational approaches. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of distance education on adherence to self-care behaviors in pregnant women with gestational diabetes.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest-posttest design and was conducted from October 2022 to March 2023, focusing on 77 pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes in Ahvaz, Iran. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups—control and intervention—with 38 individuals in each group, using block randomization. The intervention group received six online training sessions over one month, in addition to their routine care. In contrast, the control group only received routine care. Data collection occurred one week after the final training session. Tools for data gathering, including a midwifery-personal characteristics form, the SDSCA (Self-Care Diabetes State) self-care questionnaire, along with assessments of self-efficacy, social support, and attitudes toward self-care. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with SPSS version 27 software.
Results: In the pre-test phase, there was no statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups regarding self-care behaviors, social support, self-efficacy, and attitude towards self-care. However, in the post-test phase, significant differences were observed in all three variables of self-care behaviors, self-efficacy, and attitude towards self-care (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Distance learning significantly increases adherence to self-care behaviors in pregnant women with gestational diabetes. Implementing such educational interventions in comprehensive health service centers can potentially improve health outcomes in this population.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest-posttest design and was conducted from October 2022 to March 2023, focusing on 77 pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes in Ahvaz, Iran. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups—control and intervention—with 38 individuals in each group, using block randomization. The intervention group received six online training sessions over one month, in addition to their routine care. In contrast, the control group only received routine care. Data collection occurred one week after the final training session. Tools for data gathering, including a midwifery-personal characteristics form, the SDSCA (Self-Care Diabetes State) self-care questionnaire, along with assessments of self-efficacy, social support, and attitudes toward self-care. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with SPSS version 27 software.
Results: In the pre-test phase, there was no statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups regarding self-care behaviors, social support, self-efficacy, and attitude towards self-care. However, in the post-test phase, significant differences were observed in all three variables of self-care behaviors, self-efficacy, and attitude towards self-care (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Distance learning significantly increases adherence to self-care behaviors in pregnant women with gestational diabetes. Implementing such educational interventions in comprehensive health service centers can potentially improve health outcomes in this population.
type of study: Quazi Experimental |
Subject:
Public Health
Received: 2025/03/7 | Accepted: 2025/07/26 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/07/20
Received: 2025/03/7 | Accepted: 2025/07/26 | ePublished ahead of print: 2026/07/20
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