Emine Gercek
Adnan Menderes University, Turkey
Title: The physical and psychological problems of pregnant women who have gestational diabetes and are on partial bed rest
Biography
Biography: Emine Gercek
Abstract
The objective of this study is to examine the physical and psychological problems of pregnant women who have gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM]) and are on partial bed rest and the correlations between them. This cross-sectional study was conducted in a public hospital in Izmir, Turkey between January 2012 and August 2012. The study sample included 44 women who were diagnosed with GDM and had been on bed rest for at least five days. Of the pregnant women, 38.6% were between ages 25 and 32, 38.6% were primaparous, and 22.7% had a living child. The participating pregnant women had been in the hospital for 14.00±10.03 (5-60) days on average. The study did an analysis of their psychological symptoms, and found that 27.3% had difficulty concentrating, 40.9% had mood changes, and 90.9% had anxiety. The study also analyzed the women's physical symptoms, finding that 59.1% had indigestion and nausea, and 61.4% had loss of appetite. Of the participants, 61.4% had pain in their pelvis and dry skin and 77.3% had pain in their groins and legs. The study analyzed the correlation between the subdimensions of Antepartum Hospital Stressors Inventory (Separateness, Environment, Health Condition, Communication with Health Professionals, Self-image, Emotional Condition and Family State) and the psychological symptoms, and found that there was a correlation among mood change, anxiety and boredom (p<0.05). No significant correlation was found between the physical and psychological symptoms of the pregnant women with gestational diabetes (p>0.05). The study suggests that psychological symptoms should be considered to enhance the quality of the care provided to pregnant women with GDM.