Risk factors associated with gestational diabetes mellitus in Ghana: a prospective cohort study

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing globally, and in Africa. It has become a public health phenomenon with associated risk factors contributing to adverse maternal and birth outcomes, thus increasing economic burden on the health care system. The purpose of the study was to investigate the incidence of GDM and the risk factors that contribute to its occurrence among pregnant women visiting antenatal clinics (ANC) in some selected hospitals in Ghana. A prospective cohort design was used. The study sampled 1,577 pregnant women using convenience sampling. Data from the respondents were gathered using an adapted questionnaire and were analysed using binary logistic regression, frequencies, and percentages. The results revealed 7.2% incidence of GDM among pregnant women who attended ANC in the Central Region of Ghana. Maternal age 41 years and above, odds ratio [AOR] = 34.659, 95% Cl [2.263, 530.913], p < 0.001), a family history of diabetes mellitus (DM) (AOR = 3.366, Cl [1.778, 6.373], p < 0.001), and GDM history (AOR = 89.565, Cl [44.971, 178.381], p < 0.001) were risk variables that predicted GDM. Socio-demographic variables such as maternal age ≥ 41 years (AOR = 14.558, 95% CI [1.537, 137.876], p < 0.001), and high-income categories [> GHS 600 and GHS 400-600] with (AOR = 5.323, 95% CI [2.373, 11.944], p < 0.01) and (AOR = 2.590, 95% CI [1.071, 6.263], p < 0.05), significantly predicted GDM. GDM incidence among pregnant women in the Central Region of Ghana is high, with increasing maternal age, family history of DM, and a history of GDM as risk factors. The Ghana Health Service (GHS) should intensify pre and post conception education on the risk factors and make resources available for better assessment to identify risk factors and implement measures to prevent complications.