Knowledge and Health Beliefs of Gestational Diabetes MellitusAssociated with Breastfeeding Intention Among Pregnant Women inBangladesh

ABSTRACT

Purpose@#This study aimed to investigate the knowledge of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and thehealth beliefs about GDM management, as well as to investigate the effects of these factors on breastfeedingintention in Bangladesh. @*Methods@#This study involved a cross-sectional survey of 358 healthy pregnant women who visitedantenatal clinics in Bangladesh. @*Results@#Perceived susceptibility, perceived benefit, and self-efficacy were identified as significant factorsfor breastfeeding intention (p < .05). Participants had a poor understanding and a lack of knowledge ofGDM, which can lead to inadequate health behavior. Health beliefs were significantly associated withparticipants’ breastfeeding intention related to GDM. @*Conclusion@#Antenatal education for breastfeeding in GDM mothers should focus on providing accurateinformation on GDM and strengthening their health beliefs such as self-efficacy within the context of themothers’ culture.