Impact of Behaviour Change Communication on Immediate Complications of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Quasi-Experimental Study

Introduction: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is an emerging public health concern in India and is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) is a costeffective strategy that can promote healthy behaviours and improve pregnancy outcomes among women with GDM. This study aims to assess the impact of BCC on immediate maternal and neonatal complications of GDM among antenatal women. Material and Methods: A single-centre, prospective quasi-experimental study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching institute in a metropolitan city. Systematic enrolment of 220 antenatal women diagnosed with GDM between 24–28 weeks of gestation was carried out from a sampling frame of 285 GDM-positive clinic attendees. Participants were allocated to an intervention group (Group A, n=110) and a control group (Group B, n=110) using a structured alternate-day systematic pseudo-randomisation method. Group A received structured health education through BCC, while Group B received routine antenatal care. Participants were followed up during late pregnancy and up to six weeks postpartum. Results: The proportion of women who did not experience immediate maternal complications was significantly higher in Group-A (61.79%) than in Group-B (20.68%) (p<0.05). A significantly greater reduction in post-prandial blood glucose levels was observed in the intervention group (p<0.05). Neonatal complications were numerically lower in Group A, though the overall difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: BCC significantly reduced immediate maternal complications and improved glycaemic control among women with GDM. Incorporating BCC into routine antenatal services may help reduce GDM-related morbidity.