Original Research Follow-up and risk factors of pregnant women with gestational diabetes in Morocco

Rachida Boutiti, Hicham Gougueni, Youssef Bouchriti, Abderrahman Arechkik, Safiya Mahlaq, Hayat Iziki, Amina Barkat

Journal of Public Health in Africa | Vol 16, No 1 | a1313 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i1.1313 | © 2025 Rachida Boutiti, Hicham Gougueni, Youssef Bouchriti, Abderrahman Arechkik, Safiya Mahlaq, Hayat Iziki, Amina Barkat | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 07 February 2025 | Published: 25 August 2025

About the author(s) Rachida Boutiti, Health and Nutrition of the Mother and Child Couple Research Team, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohamed V. University, Rabat, Morocco; and, Department of Midwifery, High Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Agadir, Morocco
Hicham Gougueni, Department of Geosciences, Environment and Geomatics Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco; and, Department of Nursing Care, High Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Agadir, Morocco
Youssef Bouchriti, Department of Geosciences, Environment and Geomatics Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco; and, Department of Health Technique, High Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Agadir, Morocco
Abderrahman Arechkik, Department of Nursing Care, High Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Agadir, Morocco
Safiya Mahlaq, Laboratory of Biostatistics, Clinical Research and Epidemiology (LBRCE), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohamed V. University, Rabat, Morocco
Hayat Iziki, Health and Nutrition of the Mother and Child Couple Research Team, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohamed V. University, Rabat, Morocco
Amina Barkat, Health and Nutrition of the Mother and Child Couple Research Team, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohamed V. University, Rabat, Morocco

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) represents a significant global public health challenge, posing substantial risks to both maternal and foetal health.
Aim: This study analysed risk factors, follow-up, management approaches and obstetric complications in pregnant women with GDM.
Setting: This study was conducted in Southern Morocco.
Methods: This multicentre retrospective cross-sectional study analysed 297 patient files (n = 120 with GDM) from four maternity hospitals (2019-2023). Data were collected via a standardised form. Statistical analysis included descriptive summaries, group comparisons (Chi-square, Fisher’s t-test, Mann–Whitney U) and logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) using SPSS version 27.
Results: Gestational diabetes mellitus screening was inconsistent: only 17% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.5% – 25.6%) of women were screened before 24 weeks of amenorrhea, and 38% (95% CI: 29.8% – 47.5%) between 24 weeks and 28 weeks. The oral glucose tolerance test 75 g was not used. Gestational diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with caesarean delivery (OR = 2.52; 95% CI: 1.29–4.92; p = 0.007 and preeclampsia 5.95 (95% CI: 1.21–29.21; p = 0.028). Risk factors for GDM included maternal age over 35 years and obesity (body mass index [BMI]: ≥ 30). A history of prematurity showed a significant association with GDM, with adjuster OR (aOR) of 3.47 (95% CI: 1.36–8.79; p < 0.011).
Conclusion: Preventing maternal complications from GDM relies on raising women’s awareness about the importance of screening and monitoring during pregnancy in Southern Morocco.
Contribution: This study highlights the necessity of strengthening GDM screening and targeted management strategies for at-risk pregnant women in Morocco, particularly in the southern region.

Keywords

pregnant women; gestational diabetes mellitus; management; complications; risk factors

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

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