Abstract
Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) presents considerable risks to both maternal and fetal health, making effective self-care essential for favorable pregnancy outcomes. Self-efficacy, defined as an individual’s confidence in performing healthrelated behaviors, plays a crucial role in self-care adherence. Orem’s Self-Care Theory offers a comprehensive framework for evaluating and strengthening patients’ self-care abilities. This study investigated the effect of self-efficacy on self-care behaviors among women with GDM in Peshawar, Pakistan,guided by Orem’s Self-Care Theory.
Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was conducted among 220 women identified with GDM attending Hayatabad Medical Complex. Participants were randomly allocated to either an intervention group (n=110), which received a structured self-care education program, or a control group (n=110), which received routine antenatal care. The culturally tailored educational module focused on dietary management, physical activity, blood glucose monitoring, medication compliance, stress control, and sleep hygiene. Data were collected through questionnaire based on Orem’s model and analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests.
Results: Groups were comparable at baseline. Post-intervention, the experimental group showed significant improvements in physical activity, diet, sleep, and stress management (P<0.001), with higher self-efficacy and reduced self-care deficits (P=0.040). The control group showed no significant change.
Conclusion: Theory-based education enhancing self-efficacy improves self-care in women with GDM. Applying Orem’s Self-Care Theory in antenatal care can strengthen patient empowerment and pregnancy outcomes in resource-limited settings.