Effect of health education intervention based on the precede-proceed model on patients with gestational diabetes mellitus: A single-center retrospective matched-cohort study

Abstract

Objective: Conventional health education may not fully address the difficulty of translating GDM-related knowledge into sustained self-management behaviors. This study aimed to evaluate whether a PRECEDE-PROCEED Model-based GDM health education program was associated with improved self-management ability and pregnancy outcomes in patients with GDM.

Methodology: This single-center retrospective matched-cohort study was conducted at Huzhou Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital and included clinical data of pregnant women who underwent regular prenatal examinations in the obstetric outpatient department and were diagnosed with GDM from August 2024 to August 2025. Based on the nursing methods received, the participants were divided into an observation group (GDM health education intervention program based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED Model) and a control group (standard GDM health education intervention program).

Results: A total of 150 patients were enrolled. Patients were matched at a 1:1 ratio, with 75 cases in each group. Post-intervention, fasting and two-hour postprandial blood glucose levels were lower in the observation group than in the control group (p<0.05), and two-hour postprandial blood glucose decreased after intervention in both groups. Scores of GDM-related knowledge, management behaviors, attitudes, beliefs, and social support were significantly elevated in both groups, and considerably higher in the observation group (p<0.05). The incidence of postpartum hemorrhage and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy was notably lower in the observation group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Compared with conventional health education, the GDM health education intervention program based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED Model was associated with better blood glucose levels in GDM patients, improved self-management skills, and lower incidence rates of postpartum hemorrhage and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.