Socioeconomic inequalities in health-related risk and protective behaviors among pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus

ABSTRACT Objective: To estimate the association between sociodemographic and economic factors, prenatal care, and health-related risk and protective behaviors among pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Method: This was a cross-sectional study with data collected between November 2023 and March 2024 from 391 pregnant women in a maternity hospital in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data collection was carried out through interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. Poisson regression was used for data analysis. Results: Fruit consumption was significantly higher among pregnant women aged over 35 years (PR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.03-1.63) and those with higher education (PR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.11-2.50). Vegetable consumption was significantly higher among those with higher education (PR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.00-2.15) and without government assistance (PR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.08-1.77). Physical activity was more prevalent among women with an income greater than three minimum wages (PR: 2.38; 95% CI: 1.36-4.16). Furthermore, women with higher income had a lower prevalence of alcohol consumption (PR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.07-0.85). Conclusion: Unfavorable socioeconomic conditions are associated with risk behaviors among pregnant women with gestational diabetes, particularly alcohol consumption. Conversely, more favorable socioeconomic conditions are associated with health-protective factors, especially fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity.