Knowledge, Practice (KP) and Healthcare Satisfaction Among Pregnant Women Using Blood Glucose Monitors for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) Management in Trinidad and Tobago: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Background Hyperglycaemia and consequently, GDM, is the predominant medical condition encountered during pregnancy in Trinidad and Tobago, leading to significant maternal and neonatal complications. Thus, there was a need to reduce mortality and morbidity through the early detection and management of GDM while empowering women to take long-term control of their health. Methods This cross-sectional study used two-stage stratified random sampling across all five Regional Health Authorities (RHAs). Data were collected via telephone surveys with 323 eligible women aged 18–40 who had received blood glucose monitors between September 2023 and September 2024. Composite scores for knowledge, practice, and satisfaction were derived from validated survey sections. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Tukey’s post-hoc tests, and multiple linear regression models. Sampling weights were applied to adjust for proportional RHA representation. Results Most participants were from SWRHA (28.9%) and NCRHA (28.0%), with the majority aged 25–34 (49.1%). Mean scores were Knowledge = 6.9 (SD = 1.9, possible range 0–11), Practice = 11.5 (2.7, 0–16), and Satisfaction = 49.6 (5.1, 8–56). Older age (\(\:\beta\:\)=0.156, p = 0.006), current pregnancy status (\(\:\beta\:\)=0.114, p = 0.041), and higher perceived prior knowledge (\(\:\beta\:\)=0.198, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with higher knowledge scores. Older age showed a significant association with diabetes management practices (\(\:\beta\:\)=0.231, p < 0.001). Lower satisfaction scores were observed among women pregnant during the interview (\(\:\beta\:\)=–0.124, p = 0.037) and those diagnosed later in pregnancy (\(\:\beta\:\)= − 0.225, p < 0.001). All analyses were performed using IBM SPSS version 25. Conclusions Among women enrolled in the HSSP-DiP initiative higher knowledge and self-management scores were observed in older participants and those with prior awareness. BMI did not significantly influence knowledge, practices, or satisfaction, which suggests equitable reach across weight categories. However, currently pregnant women and those diagnosed later in pregnancy reported lower satisfaction with their care, indicating a need for more responsive support during late diagnosis and active pregnancy. These findings suggest age-sensitive and timing-specific considerations may be important for improving maternal experiences and outcomes.