KNOWLEDGE OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG NURSING AND MIDWIFERY STUDENTS AT CAN THO UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND PHARMACY

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is becoming an escalating public health concern in Vietnam, significantly increasing the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, including preeclampsia, macrosomia, and long-term metabolic disorders. Despite the continuous evolution of medical curricula, the GDM-related knowledge among nursing and midwifery studentswho are the primary frontline caregivers-often remains inconsistent and may not fully align with professional competency standards. Systematic evaluations of these educational gaps are currently limited in the Vietnamese context. Objectives: To assess the current level of GDM knowledge among nursing and midwifery students at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy and to identify the socio-demographic and academic factors influencing their understanding. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 167 third- and fourth-year nursing and midwifery students from April to May 2025. Data were gathered through a structured, validated questionnaire adapted from the Bashir scale, consisting of 12 items addressing four critical domains: risk factors, diagnostic criteria, management protocols, and potential complications. Knowledge levels were categorized as poor (score ≤ 4), average (5-8), or good (912). Results: The findings revealed that while 33.53% of students demonstrated good knowledge, the majority (61.08%) fell into the average category, and 5.39% still exhibited poor knowledge. Significant statistical associations were identified between knowledge levels and several key variables, including age, academic major, and year of study (p<0.05). Specifically, midwifery students and seniors (4th-year) consistently outperformed their counterparts. Notably, students with higher exposure to clinical GDM cases and specialized information sources showed a lower prevalence of poor knowledge. Conclusion: Knowledge of GDM among the surveyed students remains suboptimal, particularly regarding complex management and long-term complications. There is a critical need for targeted educational interventions, such as specialized workshops and enhanced clinical integration, to bridge these gaps. Strengthening the curriculum and providing more hands-on clinical exposure are essential to equip future healthcare professionals with the necessary competencies for high-quality maternal care.