Abstract
The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing globally, generating significant short and long term health risks for the mother and baby. Medical nutrition therapy is known to be the primary management strategy for GDM, and positive outcomes are heavily reliant on an individual's self care strategies. Unlike other westernised countries, no evidence based dietary guidelines exist for GDM in Australia. Ensuring women gain sufficient knowledge of the dietary management of GDM with adequate provision of health education can positively influence self care outcomes. The aims of this study were to 1) develop and validate a questionnaire to assess women's knowledge of the dietary management of GDM, 2) determine knowledge of the dietary management of GDM in a cohort of women currently diagnosed with this condition and 3) determine GDM information sources and level of trust invested in these sources. A total of 153 dietitans and 10 women with previous GDM were recruited to pilot the quantitative survey, the results of which were used to establish both face and content validity. The final survey instrument consisted of a total of 47 questions across 9 domains. A purposive sample of women (≥15 years) who are currently diagnosed with GDM from the antenatal clinics of four Queensland hospitals and women with GDM registered with Diabetes Queensland will complete the newly validated survey. This study will identify areas of dietary management that are poorly understood by women with GDM as well as areas that require further emphasis from health care professionals.