Knowledge and Perceived Risk Factors of Gestational Diabetes Among Antenatal Attendees at Civil Service Hospital, Ilorin Kwara State

Gestational diabetes mellitus is any degree of glucose intolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. This study examined knowledge and perceived risk factors of gestational diabetes among antenatal attendees at Civil Service Hospital, Ilorin. A descriptive research design comprising 213 antenatal attendees was adopted. Data were collected with a researcher-designed questionnaire. Findings showed that respondents had adequate knowledge of gestational diabetes mellitus and agreed that nutrition, lack of exercise and heredity were risk factors. The study concluded that nutrition, lack of exercise and heredity are leading perceived risk factors of gestational diabetes mellitus among pregnant women. It recommended that registered dietitians or certified diabetes educators should provide pregnant women with information on the right proportion and amount of food.