Highlights
- •Diabetic pregnant women experience Fear of hypoglycemia (FoH).
- •Higher FoH was observed among those with a history of hypoglycemia.
- •Young age, less educated and having depression predict FoH of pregnant women.
Abstract
Objective
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the fear of hypoglycemia (FoH)
and its predictors among diabetic pregnant women.
Study design
Cross-sectional conducted between January to August 2022.
Methods
In the present study, 250 diabetic pregnant women from Qazvin province participated.
Demographic and fertility characteristics, FoH, adherence to treatment, self-efficacy,
anxiety and depression were assessed. Data were analyzed using univariable and multivariable
linear regression models.
Results
The participants’ mean age was 31.02 years (SD=4.72). The FoH mean score was 32.88
(out of 72). Based on the multivariable linear regression model, having a history
of hypoglycemia (β = 0.44, p < 0.001), lower education (β = 0.17, p = 0.001), being treated with insulin (β = 0.22, p < 0.001), being treated with both insulin and diet (β = 0.16 p = 0.003), being of younger age (β = −0.13, p = 0.008), and depression (β = 0.16, p = 0.002) were independent predictors of FoH among pregnant women.
Conclusion
Diabetic pregnant women experience FoH, particularly those with a history of hypoglycemia.
Therefore, providing education and counseling concerning hypoglycemia, complications,
and necessary measures for this group of diabetic pregnant women are needed along
with those who are younger, less educated, and have comorbid mental health conditions.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 29, 2022
Accepted:
November 26,
2022
Received in revised form:
November 24,
2022
Received:
August 20,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 Primary Care Diabetes Europe. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
