Evaluation of Knowledge About Gestational Diabetes Among Primigravidae Versus Multigravidae in Saudi Arabia: A Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a subtype of diabetes that is discovered during pregnancy and may disappear after puerperium. It has an impact on the well-being of expectant mothers and fetuses. Many women have a poor level of knowledge regarding GDM, especially regarding risk factors, diagnosis, and the role of insulin in the management. Also, knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding GDM are influenced by multiple factors.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge among primigravidae versus multigravidas regarding GDM. Additionally, the study sought to identify the factors that are associated with high and low levels of knowledge regarding GDM.

METHODOLOGY

This is a prospective, cross-sectional study, conducted in different regions of Saudi Arabia and included 482 women who had a pregnancy history or were currently pregnant. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of two parts. A pilot study was carried out to evaluate the validity of the questionnaire.

RESULTS

The study data showed that a substantial portion of respondents have had one pregnancy, while there is a relatively even distribution among those with two (n=89, 18.50%), three (n=75, 15.60%), or four or more pregnancies (n=71, 14.70%). Of the participants, 65.6% had good knowledge regarding GDM. It was also found that there were significant differences between primigravidae and multigravidae.

CONCLUSION

One-third of the participants in both groups had poor knowledge with significant variation in knowledge between primigravidae and multigravidae. The importance of screening and fasting before testing received widespread recognition, as did the role of diet and exercise in treatment. It is recommended that targeted educational efforts and awareness campaigns be launched to enhance knowledge about GDM among pregnant women in Saudi Arabia.

Knowledge and Attitude About Epilepsy Among School Teachers in Madinah, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological disorders affecting school-age children. School teachers play an essential role in the life and development of patients with epilepsy. Hence, adequate knowledge of and positive attitudes toward epilepsy among school teachers are critical. This study assessed the knowledge of and attitude toward epilepsy among primary, middle, and high school teachers in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

METHOD

This cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered electronic questionnaire to assess the knowledge and attitude about epilepsy among 394 teachers from local schools.  Results: Most of the participants were female (64.7%). About 32.2% of the participants had experience teaching children with epilepsy. The mean score for knowledge about epilepsy was 8.2 out of 13. Regarding attitudes toward epilepsy, most participants (93.4%) had positive attitudes toward students with epilepsy. There is a strong correlation between experience and attitude toward epilepsy. Most of the participants lacked adequate first aid training and felt unprepared to deal with a child with a seizure.

CONCLUSION

Most school teachers in Madinah had positive attitudes toward epilepsy patients. Although they had a basic understanding of epilepsy, there were gaps in their knowledge, and they lacked adequate training and confidence in assisting a child with a seizure. Therefore, it is essential to implement education and training programs aimed at improving their knowledge and confidence in dealing with students with epilepsy.