A Mixed-Method Study on Perception Toward Postpartum Follow-Up Screening for Diabetes among Women Diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Warangal District, Telangana.

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in later life. Postpartum follow-up screening plays a vital role in early detection and prevention, yet uptake remains low in many regions of India, including Telangana.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the perception toward postpartum diabetes screening among women with prior GDM and to estimate the proportion of women who underwent timely follow-up testing.

METHODS

A cross-sectional mixed-method study was conducted among 90 GDM-diagnosed women from two public tertiary hospitals in the Warangal district. Data were collected through a structured telephonic questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. In-depth interviews with six healthcare providers were conducted to explore system-level insights.

RESULTS

Although 85.56% of participants underwent blood sugar testing postpartum, only 53.33% did so after discharge, and just 40% met the recommended ≥6-week follow-up timeline. Home-based testing was most common (47.92%), and only 4.17% utilized public health facilities. Women advised by doctors were significantly more likely to perceive screening as necessary (OR: 33.2, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

There is a pressing need to strengthen postpartum diabetes follow-up through improved provider counseling, structured recall systems, and community health worker involvement.