KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN SELECTED PRIMARY HEALTH CENTERS, OWO LOCAL GOVERNMENT, ONDO STATE

One important aspect of pregnancy care is the monitoring and control of blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels during pregnancy can lead to complications such as gestational diabetes, which have adverse effects on both the mother and the baby. Therefore, this matter must be well understood especially by pregnant women. This study was conducted to determine the knowledge and practice of blood sugar control among pregnant women in selected health centres in Owo, Ondo state. The study employed a descriptive research design. A total population sampling technique was used to select a sample size of select 40 respondents which is the total population. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Results were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics and the result presented in frequency tables. Findings from the study revealed that 42.5% had adequate knowledge of blood sugar control while 57.5% of the respondents had inadequate knowledge blood sugar control. Also, 45.0% of the respondents had good practice of blood sugar control while majority 55.0% of the respondents had poor practice of blood sugar control. However, the factors identified by the pregnant women to influence their knowledge of blood sugar control were skipping antenatal clinic, educational status, lack of glucose monitoring equipment and fear of food restriction; others disagreed to family history of diabetes to be a factor. There was a significant relationship between respondents’ knowledge of blood sugar control and practice of blood sugar control among the pregnant women (P=0.13).