KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS LEVELS AMONG MARRIED WOMEN REGARDING THE MATERNAL AND NEONATAL OUTCOMES OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS (GDM) IN SAUDI ARABIA

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common and major health complications that pregnant women have [1]. (GDM) is a form of diabetes mellitus characterized by glucose intolerance that develops during pregnancy [2]. It is associated with a higher risk of negative pregnancy outcomes, including type 2 diabetes 5 to 10 years after delivery [3]. The frequency of GDM in Saudi Arabia ranges from 8.9% to 12.5%, as reported by a study published in the 2000s [4]. Previous research demonstrated that the prevalence of GDM varied from 1% to 14%, according to the population evaluated and the diagnostic procedures used [5]. A study conducted in India showed that 51.5% of the participants had a strong understanding of GDM, 34% had moderate knowledge, and 14.5% had low knowledge. Only 30 to 50% of participants were aware of the risks associated with pregnancy and newborn health [6]. The majority of participants demonstrated good levels of comprehension: 76.1% were aware of GDM, and 70.9% could clearly explain it, according to research done locally in Tabuk City. Furthermore, the majority expressed good attitudes toward GDM management [7]. In 2023, Another study executed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia showed that 53.6% of the participants exhibited a comprehensive comprehension of GDM, whereas 35.2% exhibited moderate knowledge scores, and 11.2% exhibited low knowledge scores [8]. Contrary to these findings, other research revealed other results. In a study in Al-Baha Region, Saudi Arabia the total knowledge score was below 10%, which is deemed low. This suggests that the majority of individuals are unaware of GDM and that information transfer about it is inefficient [9]. Similarly, in a study published in AL-Qassim, Saudi Arabia just 10% of participants had a "good" understanding of the detrimental consequences of GDM on both mothers and neonates, compared to the majority (72.2%) who had "poor" knowledge [10]. Despite the high prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Saudi Arabia, there is a significant gap in knowledge in the literature regarding GDM awareness and understanding among married Saudi women. Previous research showed conflicting results, often with small sample sizes, emphasizing the need for further investigation to provide a better understanding. Saudi Arabia has a unique cultural environment that may influence women's access to health information and healthcare services, and assessing current knowledge levels could help in the Development of effective educational interventions. Furthermore, many women lack a basic understanding of the risks of GDM, which can lead to serious consequences for both mother and child. This study intended to assess and evaluate Knowledge and awareness Levels among married females Regarding the Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) in Saudi Arabia.