Investigation of healthy lifestyle behaviors in pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes

Bayhoca, S. (2025). Investigation of Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors in Pregnant Women with and Without Gestational Diabetes, Master's Thesis, Department of Midwifery, Biruni University Institute of Graduate Education. This descriptive and correlational study aimed to examine the healthy lifestyle behaviors of pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes (GDM). Pregnant women with and without GDM who were 26 weeks or older and who attended the Gynecology and Obstetrics outpatient clinic of a hospital affiliated with the Hatay Provincial Health Directorate of the Ministry of Health between April 2025 and June 2025 were included in the study. A total of 189 pregnant women, 39 with GDM and 150 without GDM, were included in the sample analysis using a known population. Data were collected using the Introductory Information Form and the Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Scale during Pregnancy. Data were analyzed using SPSS 27. The mean age of pregnant women with GDM was 29.74±5.18, while the mean age of those without GDM was 29.58±6.90. It was found that 38.5% of pregnant women with GDM and 0.7% of those without GDM had been diagnosed with gestational diabetes in their previous pregnancies. It was determined that participants had a miscarriage rate of 0.58±0.90 in those with GDM and 0.00±0.08 in those without GDM in their previous pregnancies, and that only those with GDM had an intentional curettage rate of 0.05±0.22. The mean total score and sub-dimension score averages (except for hygiene) of the Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Scale during Pregnancy were statistically significantly higher in pregnant women with GDM. was found to be lower (p< .05). In conclusion, pregnant women's healthy lifestyle behaviors are multidimensional and are influenced by various factors such as socioeconomic status, pregnancy history, and attitudes toward pregnancy. These findings highlight the need to develop personalized health education and support programs for at-risk pregnancy groups.