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Women with type 1 diabetes and women with type 2 diabetes differ in knowledge and beliefs about contraception and pregnancy
Author(s) -
Hendrieckx Christel,
Morrison Melinda,
Audehm Ralph,
Barry Alison,
Farrell Kaye,
Houvardas Effie,
Nankervis Alison,
Porter Cynthia,
Scibilia Renza,
Ross Glynis
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
diabetic medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.474
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1464-5491
pISSN - 0742-3071
DOI - 10.1111/dme.14521
Subject(s) - medicine , pregnancy , type 2 diabetes , diabetes mellitus , type 1 diabetes , obstetrics , breastfeeding , gynecology , pediatrics , endocrinology , genetics , biology
Abstract Aims To assess differences in knowledge and beliefs about pregnancy in women with diabetes. Methods Questions were from the Australian ‘ Contraception, Pregnancy & Women's Health’ survey. Women (18–50 years) were eligible if pregnant or planning pregnancy. Knowledge and beliefs items were adapted from the Reproductive Health and Behaviours Questionnaire. Results Compared to women with type 2 diabetes ( n = 103), women with type 1 diabetes ( n = 526) had higher scores for knowledge about pregnancy in diabetes (type 1 diabetes 9.8 ± 2.4 vs. type 2 diabetes 7.7 ± 3.1), beliefs about benefits (type 1 diabetes 18.4 ± 2.2 vs. type 2 diabetes 17.2 ± 3.3), cues‐to‐action (type 1 diabetes 2.7 ± 1.4 vs. type 2 diabetes 1.5 ± 1.3) and self‐efficacy (type 1 diabetes 22.6 ± 5.5 vs. type 2 diabetes 20.2 ± 6.1 (all p < 0.001) regarding preparing for pregnancy. Major knowledge gaps were the need for higher dose folate compared to women without diabetes and uncertainty about breastfeeding recommendations. Women with type 1 diabetes believed more strongly in the benefits of ‘close to target’ glucose levels prior to pregnancy and using contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancy; they also felt more confident to access pre‐pregnancy care and to wait for optimal glycaemia before pregnancy. Women with type 2 diabetes were less aware of contraceptive choices, and risks associated with hyperglycaemia before or early in pregnancy. Conclusions The findings highlighted main gaps in knowledge and beliefs about planning for pregnancy. Especially in type 2 diabetes, there is a need for evidence‐based messaging and strategies addressing these gaps, to raise understanding to prepare for future pregnancies.