Impact of COVID-19 on Gestational Diabetes Screening in Ontario
Author Information
Author(s): Hadid Dima, Correia Rebecca H., McDonald Sarah D., Darling Elizabeth K., Kirkwood David, Jones Aaron, Carruthers Andrea, Kuyvenhoven Cassandra, Howard Michelle, Greyson Devon, Kandasamy Sujane, Vanstone Meredith
Primary Institution: McMaster University
Hypothesis
The study hypothesized that those who gave birth in 2021 would have lower rates of gestational diabetes screening for any modality than those who gave birth in 2019 or 2022.
Conclusion
Despite health system challenges experienced in Ontario during the COVID-19 pandemic, GDM screening rates increased in the study population, demonstrating the success of adapted GDM screening guidelines.
Supporting Evidence
- 90.1% of individuals were screened for GDM during pregnancy.
- Screening rates increased from 87.4% in 2019 to 91.7% in 2022.
- Participants viewed GDM screening as important and obligatory.
Takeaway
This study found that more pregnant people got tested for gestational diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic, even though it was a tough time for healthcare.
Methodology
The study used a convergent mixed-methods design, combining a retrospective cohort analysis of health administrative data with qualitative interviews.
Potential Biases
Qualitative data may be subject to recall bias regarding the choice of testing modality.
Limitations
The study was limited to individuals who gave birth during specific three-month windows, which may affect generalizability.
Participant Demographics
The mean age of participants was 31 years, with a majority receiving care from obstetricians.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 3.18–3.66
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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