Use of dietetic services among pregnant women with gestational diabetes in the UAE: Prevalence, correlates, and patient experiences

BackgroundDietetic care plays a crucial role in the management of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). Little is known about its utilization in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).ObjectiveThis study assessed the prevalence, correlates, and patient experiences of the use of dietetic services among pregnant women with GDM.DesignA cross-sectional study was conducted in six hospitals (public and private) in the Emirates of Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman, between May and November 2024.MethodsA total of 223 pregnant women, aged 18-45 years, in their third trimester with a confirmed GDM diagnosis, were recruited. Data were collected using a multicomponent questionnaire and medical record reviews. The main outcome in this study was visiting a dietitian following GDM diagnosis (yes/no). Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with dietitian visits.ResultsOf the 223 participants, 93 visited a dietitian (41.7%); of whom 92 (99%) were referred by a physician. Examining the sociodemographic, lifestyle and health related factors showed that daily breakfast consumption (aOR=3.3, p=0.009), initiating exercise post-diagnosis (aOR=3.9, p=0.012), sleeping ≥8 hours/night (aOR=3.2, p=0.004), previous history of GDM (aOR=2.7, p=0.039), and family history of GDM (aOR=3.2, p=0.009) were associated with higher odds of visiting the dietitian. Non-Emirati nationality (aOR=0.3, p=0.004), GDM medication use (aOR=0.3, p=0.007), and perceiving health as good/excellent (aOR=0.3, p=0.030) were inversely associated with visiting the dietitian. Among participants who visited the dietitian, the majority were either very satisfied (16.1%) or satisfied (63.4%), with only 3% reporting dissatisfaction with their visit to the dietitian.ConclusionA considerable proportion of women with GDM did not visit the dietitian, with physician referral being the most influential factor of dietitian visits. Dietitian consultations are associated with healthier behaviors and high satisfaction, emphasizing their critical role in GDM care. Promoting access to dietetic care, including strengthening referral systems, is needed to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce future disease burden in mothers and children.