Effectiveness oF A Lifestyle Modification Module On Knowledge Regarding Prevention of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Among Antenatal Mothers: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a common metabolic disorder during pregnancy and may contribute to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes when not adequately prevented or managed. The study examined whether a structured lifestyle modification module could improve mothers’ knowledge regarding prevention of GDM. Objectives: To assess pre-intervention knowledge, evaluate the effectiveness of the lifestyle modification module, compare pre- and post-test knowledge within the groups, compare post-test knowledge between groups, and determine the association between pre-test knowledge and selected demographic variables. Methods: A quantitative quasi-experimental, non-randomized control-group pre-test post-test design was used among 70 antenatal mothers attending selected maternity units in the Sangli–Miraj–Kupwad Corporation area. Thirty-five mothers were included in each of the experimental and control groups using non-probability convenient sampling. Data were collected with a structured knowledge questionnaire. Content validity was established through 24 experts and reliability was established by the split-half method (r = 0.88). The experimental group received a lifestyle modification module covering diet, physical activity, weight management, antenatal check-ups and blood glucose monitoring. Post-test assessment was conducted after seven days. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, paired t-test, independent/unpaired t-test and chi-square test. Results: In the experimental group, the mean knowledge score increased from 15.54 ± 3.64 in the pre-test to 19.26 ± 0.70 in the post-test, with a significant paired t-value of 12.41 (p < 0.05). In the control group, the mean score increased from 13.71 ± 3.20 to 14.83 ± 1.65, with a t-value of 0.81 (p > 0.05). The post-test mean score was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (19.26 ± 0.70 vs. 14.83 ± 1.65; t = 14.59, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The lifestyle modification module was effective in improving mothers’ knowledge regarding prevention of GDM. Structured nursing education on healthy diet, physical activity, weight management, antenatal care and blood glucose monitoring can be incorporated into routine antenatal health education.