Fatores associados aos comportamentos em saúde de gestantes com Diabetes Mellitus Gestacional

Abstract

Objective: To identify the factors associated with health behaviors among pregnant women diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), considering socioeconomic and demographic variables. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a referral public maternity hospital in Belo Horizonte (MG), with a sample of 391 pregnant women diagnosed with GDM. Data were collected through structured interviews. Multivariate Poisson regression analyses with robust variance were used to assess the associations between age, place of residence, education level, race/ethnicity, income, receipt of government assistance, prenatal care location, and health behaviors (consumption of fruits, vegetables, ultra-processed foods, and physical activity). Results: The prevalence of adequate fruit and vegetable consumption was 43.3% and 48%, respectively. Regarding ultra-processed food intake, 65.3% reported daily consumption of two or more products. Only 19.3% of pregnant women engaged in physical activity. The analysis revealed that adequate fruit and vegetable consumption was more prevalent among those with higher education levels and income. Physical activity was significantly more common among women with an income exceeding three minimum wages. Conclusion: The study indicates a low prevalence of healthy behaviors among pregnant women with GDM. The findings suggest that social determinants influence the adoption of healthy behaviors during pregnancy. Interventions focused on health promotion and reducing inequalities in access to information and resources are essential to improving maternal-fetal outcomes