Awareness of Preconception Care and Its Related Factors Among Women of Childbearing Age with Type 1 Diabetes in the South of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Abstract

Background

Pregnancies in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are associated with an increased risk of poor outcomes for mothers and their infants.

Objective

To assess the awareness of preconception care among women with T1DM and their self-management status in the southern region of Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This study is a cross-sectional study that was done on 187 women participated of childbearing age with T1DM who were seen in diabetic centers between June 2019 and September 2020. Pre-pregnancy care and disease management were assessed via a questionnaire.

Results

The prevalence of preconception awareness of diabetes management was 66.9%. Several factors significantly influenced the level of awareness, including education level (P= 0.001) and HbA1c (P= 0.014). In multivariate analysis, the lower educational level turns out to be a significant risk factor for low awareness (OR = 3.71, 95% CI [1.65, 8.31], P= 0.001). Additionally, compared to controlled DM, uncontrolled diabetes had a twofold increased risk of low awareness (OR = 2.03, 95% CI [1.08, 3.81], P= 0.027).

Conclusion

The awareness level was significantly correlated with a high educational level and better glycemic control. Meanwhile, it was not significantly correlated with diabetes duration.

Keywords:

• T1DM
• preconception care
• awareness rate
• women of childbearing age and self monitoring blood glucose

Author Contributions

The author made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The author reports no conflicts of interest in this work.