Effectiveness of a risk perception-based nursing model for high-risk pregnant women with gestational diabetes: A retrospective cohort study.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common and high-risk pregnancy complication, increasing the risk of maternal hypertension, preterm birth, infections, and other issues, as well as long-term effects on the newborn. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a risk perception-based nursing model for high-risk GDM pregnant women, focusing on blood glucose control, self-management, psychological adjustment, and pregnancy outcomes. A retrospective cohort design was used, with clinical data collected from 106 high-risk GDM pregnant women between June 2023 and December 2024. The observation group (n = 54) received the risk perception-based nursing model, while the control group (n = 52) received routine care. Evaluation indicators included blood glucose levels from the oral glucose tolerance test, General Self-Efficacy Scale scores, self-management ability, anxiety levels, and pregnancy outcomes, such as premature rupture of membranes, macrosomia, neonatal hypoglycemia, cesarean section rate, postpartum hemorrhage, and preterm birth rate. No significant differences in baseline characteristics were observed between the 2 groups. At 37 weeks of gestation, the observation group showed significantly lower fasting blood glucose, 1-hour, and 2-hour postprandial glucose levels than the control group (P < .05). The observation group also had significantly higher General Self-Efficacy Scale scores and better self-management in areas like diabetes knowledge, behaviors, attitude, and social support (P < .01). Psychological assessments showed a significant decrease in anxiety levels in the observation group (P < .001). Pregnancy outcomes were improved, with significantly lower rates of premature rupture of membranes, macrosomia, and neonatal hypoglycemia in the observation group (P < .01). There were no significant differences in cesarean section rate, postpartum hemorrhage, or preterm birth rate. These findings suggest that the risk perception-based nursing model significantly improves blood glucose control, self-management, and psychological adjustment, reducing certain adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study provides valuable insights for personalized clinical nursing, with potential for wider clinical application.