The impact of media influence on pregnant women's perceptions of oral glucose tolerance tests in primary health care settings

Objective: Screening for gestational diabetes mellitus with the oral glucose tolerance test is recommended between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. In recent years, views opposing the oral glucose tolerance test have gained prominence in the Turkish media, potentially influencing pregnant women's decisions. This study aimed to determine how often the oral glucose tolerance test is used and by which physicians, to examine the relationship between socioeconomic status and test use, and to assess the impact of the media on those who refuse the test. Methods: This descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted between May and August 2020 with pregnant women who presented to, and were registered and followed up at, the family medicine outpatient clinics in Çankaya, Ankara. A total of 334 pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria participated in the study. Sociodemographic caracteristics, socioeconomic status, oral glucose tolarence test acceptance status, physician recommendation variability, effect of media influence of various media sources in decision-making process was questioned by a 16-question survey. Results: Of the participants, 68.0% (n=227) had obtained a university degree, and 56.3% (n=188) reported a high income. Overall, 41.6% (n=139) said the didn’t received any information about the oral glucose tolerance test from their primary care physician. Of the informed subjects 58.8% (n=114) received information from their family doctors. 15.6% (n=52) declined the test, while 33.8% (n=113) were undecided. For those who declined the test 53.8% (n=28) pointed at negative media or social media content to be the primary reason for their decision. Pregnant women from a lower socioeconomic background were more likely to decline the test or be undecided, particularly if they had not received information about it from a healthcare professional. Conversely, physician-provided information was associated with higher acceptance rates for the oral glucose tolerance test. Conclusion: A low socioeconomic status, combined with a lack of information provided by physicians and negative media influence, was associated with higher rates of refusal or indecision regarding oral glucose tolerance test. However, providing accurate and clear information about gestational diabetes screening through family physicians was found to significantly increase the likelihood of test acceptance.