title: Prevalence and risk factors of gestational diabetes mellitus in Yemen.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) continues to be a significant health disorder triggering harmful complications in pregnant women and fetuses. Our knowledge of GDM epidemiology in Yemen is largely based on very limited data. The aim of this study was, therefore, to determine the prevalence and risk factors of GDM among pregnant women in Dhamar governorate, Yemen.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 311 subjects were randomly selected for this cross sectional survey. Health history data and blood samples were collected using a pretested questionnaire. To determine the prevalence of GDM, the fasting and random blood glucose techniques were applied according to the recommendations of the American Diabetes Association, using alternative methods that are more convenient to the targeted population. Poisson's regression model incorporating robust sandwich variance was utilized to assess the association of potential risk factors in developing GDM.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence of GDM was found to be 5.1% among the study population. Multivariate analysis confirmed age ≥30 years, previous GDM, family history of diabetes, and history of polycystic ovary syndrome as independent risk factors for GDM prevalence. However, body mass index ≥30 kg/m(2) and previous macrosomic baby were found to be dependent risk factors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study reports new epidemiological information about the prevalence and risk factors of GDM in Yemen. Introduction of proper maternal and neonatal medical care and health education are important in order to save the mother and the baby.
authors: Department of Biochemistry, Thamar University, Dhamar, Yemen.
authors: Abdullatif D
authors: AD
authors: Ali
authors: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Thamar University, Dhamar, Yemen.
authors: Amat Al-Khaleq O
authors: AA
authors: Mehrass
authors: Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Thamar University, Dhamar, Yemen.
authors: Abdulelah H
authors: AH
authors: Al-Adhroey
authors: Department of Biochemistry, Thamar University, Dhamar, Yemen.
authors: Abdulqawi A
authors: AA
authors: Al-Shammakh
authors: Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Thamar University, Dhamar, Yemen.
authors: Adel A
authors: AA
authors: Amran
keywords: Yemen; alternative diagnostic criteria; gestational diabetes mellitus; prevalence risk