Prevalence and risk factors of fear of hypoglycemia (FOH) among diabetic pregnant women at King Abdulaziz Medical City- Jeddah (KAMC-J), Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Fear of hypoglycemia (FOH) is a significant psychological issue in diabetic patients, where patients experience specific and extreme levels of fear due to the occurrences of hypoglycemia. FOH may lead to poor diabetes management, higher anxiety, and decreased quality of life. Pregnant women with diabetes encounter further obstacles, such as maintaining glycemic control and managing pregnancy-related stresses, which may increase their risk of FOH. To assess the prevalence and risk factors for FOH, among diabetic pregnant women at the King Abdulaziz Medical City-Jeddah (KAMC-J), Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted at KAMC-J, among 199 pregnant women with diabetes via a validated questionnaire that included demographic information, diabetes history, hypoglycemia experience, and the Fear of Hypoglycemia Survey (HFS). Associations between FOH and demographic factors, diabetes type, and treatment methods were assessed using statistical analyses, with a significance level of <i>P</i> ≤ 0.05. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29 was used. Among participants, the prevalence of FOH was 9.5%. Most participants were between the age of 26 and 35 (48.7%) or 36 and 45 (45.2%), and 69.3% had gestational diabetes. Insulin was the most common diabetic therapy used (44.7%), while the rest (23.6%) were dependent only on lifestyle modifications. Majority of participants (61.3%) had a positive history of hypoglycemia, with an average of 2.04 ± 3.99 occurrences per week. FOH was significantly associated with insulin use (<i>P</i> < 0.05), but not with age, education level, or hypoglycemic history. The prevalence of FOH in this population is low. However, the psychological and metabolic consequences emphasize the importance of early intervention and screening, particularly among insulin-dependent patients. Psychotherapeutic interventions and close glucose monitoring strategies may help to reduce FOH and improve diabetes management and its complications during pregnancy.