Prevalence and associated factors of gestational diabetes mellitus among pregnant women receiving antenatal care in public health facilities in Bule Hora, southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a public health challenge that severely endangers the lives of mothers and children. In Ethiopia, its prevalence and predictors have scarcely been studied and have not been studied in the context of the present study. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of GDM among pregnant women in Bule Hora, southern Ethiopia. Results: A total of 190 pregnant women were interviewed and studied. The mean age of the pregnant women was 30.06 (SD ± 5.53) years. Approximately three-quarters (74.2%) of pregnant mothers were in their second trimester (24 -28 weeks) of pregnancy. Approximately a third, 31.6%, of the participants were overweight/obese with a mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurement greater than or equal to 28 centimeters. The mean fasting blood sugar level was 83.46 (SD ± 8.84) mg/dL. The prevalence of GDM in this study was 7.4%. Family history of diabetes (AOR = 5.7; 95% CI: 1.28-25.27), elevated triglyceride concentration (AOR = 5.6; 95% CI: 1.258-25.46), history of having a macrosomic baby (AOR = 6.8; 95% CI: 1.56-29.59), and history of abortion (AOR = 4.4; 95% CI: 1.09-18.39) were factors associated with GDM.