Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Comparison of health‑promoting lifestyle and irrational health beliefs in healthy pregnant women and gestational diabetes mellitus

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

. Atefe Zeinali
. Mahrokh Dolatian 1
. Padideh Janatiataie 2
. Jamal Shams 3
. Malihe Nasiri 4

1 Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Midwifery and Reproductive Health Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Midwifery and Reproductive Health Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,

3 Department of Psychiatry, Behavioral Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Imam Hossein Hospital, Tehran, Iran

4 Depattment of Paramedical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common complication of pregnancy. The
goal of this study was to compare health‑promoting lifestyles and irrational health beliefs in pregnant
women with GDM and healthy pregnant women.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was a descriptive causal‑comparative study in
which 100 eligible GDM women and 100 eligible healthy women were selected through available
sampling in three referral hospitals in Tehran In 2020. In this study, the Health Promoting Lifestyle
Profile (HPLP) and the Irrational Health Beliefs Scale (IHBS) were used. Data were analyzed using
independent t‑test and logistic regression by SPSS 16 software.
RESULTS: Findings showed that there is a significant relationship between the variables of IHBS
and HPLP. For every one unit increase in an IHBS score, the chance of having diabetes increases
by 2.8%. In the case of HPLP, women who exercised well were 7.5% less likely to develop diabetes,
and those who took good responsibility were 7.8% less likely to develop diabetes. Furthermore,
in independent t‑test, the HPLP variable showed a significant difference between the two groups
with diabetes and healthy individuals (P < 0.001). Furthermore, in comparing the subscales of this
variable, physical activity (P < 0.0001), self‑fulfillment (P < 0.004), responsibility (P < 0.003), and
stress control (P  <  0.001), a significant difference was observed. The results of IHBS research
showed a significant difference between the two groups of gestational diabetes and healthy
individuals (P < 0.004).
CONCLUSION: The results of the present study show the need to identify and focus on irrational
health beliefs and health‑promoting lifestyles. Modification of these psychological structures can be
useful in the prevention and management of this chronic disease.

Keywords

Gestational diabetes mellitus
health‑promoting lifestyle
irrational health beliefs
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 11, Issue 6
July 2021
Pages 1-7

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