The relationship between quality of life and some mental problems in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM): a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Women with medical problems during pregnancy, including women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), experience an increased prevalence of mental health disorders which can affect their quality of life. This study aimed to assess the relationship between GDM-related quality of life and depression, anxiety, and stress.

METHODS

This analytical cross-sectional study was performed on 150 women with GDM. The participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling including quota and then randomized method from maternal care centers affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran-Iran. The data were collected using a personal information questionnaire, the GDM-related quality of life questionnaire (GDMQoL-36), and the depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS). The data were analyzed using SPSS-23 software and statistical tests of coefficient Spearman's correlation, t-test, analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

The mean ± SD score for the GDM-related quality of life and the DASS scale were 55.51 ± 8.87 and 27.12 ± 19.43%, respectively. Different degrees of depression, anxiety, and stress were present in 40, 61.3, and 42% of women, respectively. The total score of GDM-related quality of life had a significant negative correlation with the total score of DASS and the scores of the subscales including depression, anxiety, and stress (P < 0.001). There were significant correlations between the total score of GDM-related quality of life with age, BMI, length of marriage, educational level of the woman and her spouse, the occupation of the woman and her spouse, income, and economic class of the family. Multiple linear regression revealed that depression, education, and job are predictive factors for GDM-related quality of life.

CONCLUSION

GDM-related quality of life is related to some mental disorders. Therefore, it is important to consider the mental health promotion of pregnant women with GDM in future prenatal health programs to improve their quality of life. This also shows the importance of integrating mental health promotion strategies to enhance the quality of life of pregnant women with GDM.