Role of patient education level in predicting macrosomia among women with gestational diabetes mellitus

Judith H. Chung, K. J. Voss, A. B. Caughey, D. A. Wing, E. J.D. Henderson, C. A. Major

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the role of education level in predicting the risk of macrosomia among women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Study design: Women with gestational diabetes, who were referred to the California Diabetes and Pregnancy Sweet Success Program between June 2001 and December 2002, were included in the study. Multiple logistic regression was used estimate the risk of macrosomia, defined as a birth weight >4000 g. Results: Compared to college-educated women, high school- and middle school-educated women were 21% (relative risk (RR), 1.21; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.01-1.44) and 35% (RR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.09-1.70) more likely to deliver a macrosomic infant, respectively. Conclusion: Gestational diabetics with a lower level of educational attainment appear to have an increased risk of macrosomia. Future studies are necessary to determine whether this finding reflects a variation in adherence to recommended treatments by education/literacy level, or if it is a surrogate marker for intrinsic, biological differences or differences in lifestyle.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)328-332
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Perinatology
Volume26
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Education level
  • Gestational diabetes mellitus
  • Macrosomia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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