Awareness and knowledge level of gestational diabetes mellitus among women in the UAE and variations across sociodemographic factors: A cross-sectional study
Sharifa Alblooshi, Maryam Abdelwahab, Alia Khalid, Rafiq Hijazi, Marika Lo MonacoBackground
The prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is rising in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with estimates ranging from 8% to 40%, depending on diagnostic criteria. Despite its implications for maternal and neonatal health, research on public knowledge around GDM in the UAE remains limited, particularly in relation to gender equity and women’s health empowerment.
Objectives
This study aimed to evaluate GDM knowledge among adult women in the UAE and assess demographic variations in understanding health information.
Design
A cross-sectional study was conducted.
Methods
1039 female UAE residents aged 18 and above completed an online questionnaire assessing GDM-related knowledge, perception, and access to information. Data were analysed using SPSS, and Chi-Square Tests and logistic regression model were used to identify associations between GDM-related knowledge levels and sociodemographic factors.
Results
Among participants, 72.2% had heard of GDM, and 52.3% demonstrated adequate knowledge. Adequate knowledge was significantly associated with older age, higher education, employment, abnormal BMI, prior pregnancy, chronic disease, knowing someone with GDM, and having experienced GDM (all p < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, prior pregnancy (OR = 2.22, p = 0.003) and a history of GDM (OR = 2.10, p = 0.042) were the strongest predictors of adequate knowledge. The most common information sources were family and friends (57%), hospitals (43%), and social media (36%).
Conclusion
Although overall awareness of GDM in the UAE was moderate, knowledge levels varied significantly by age, education, employment status, and personal or familial experience with the condition. These findings highlight the need for culturally tailored, nurse-led, community-based education programs to enhance GDM knowledge, particularly among younger and nulliparous women. Targeted interventions can reduce disparities, promote informed decision-making, and support equitable and sustainable maternal health in Arab societies.