Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes in Jobholding and Housewives Women Associated with Limited Awareness of Healthcare in Faisalabad

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a frequent complication of pregnancy, associated with significant maternal and neonatal risks. Awareness and education are critical for prevention, timely screening, and effective management, yet disparities in knowledge may exist across different sociodemographic groups. Understanding how occupational status and educational attainment influence awareness can inform targeted interventions in high-burden populations. Objective: To determine the prevalence of GDM and evaluate its association with awareness of healthcare among jobholding and housewife women in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted over four months in outpatient departments of four tertiary hospitals. A total of 132 pregnant women aged 18–40 years in their second or third trimester were enrolled through convenience sampling. Diagnosis of GDM was confirmed using oral glucose tolerance testing. Awareness was measured using a validated 13-item questionnaire, classifying scores into good, average, or poor. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and odds ratios, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of GDM was 23.5%. Women with ≥15 years of education had markedly lower prevalence (4%) compared with those with nine years of education (40.5%, p < 0.001). Working women reported higher awareness but also higher prevalence of GDM (OR 10.36, 95% CI: 4.25–25.2). Awareness was lowest among women with GDM, with 29% scoring poorly. Conclusion: GDM prevalence in Faisalabad is substantial, and educational level is strongly protective. Although working women demonstrated better awareness, their higher prevalence suggests occupational and lifestyle-related risks. Targeted health education and workplace-based maternal care programs are urgently needed