Evaluation of a DVD for women with diabetes: impact on knowledge and attitudes to preconception care

Diabet. Med. 29, 950–956 (2012) Aims To determine if an educational DVD increases knowledge and changes attitudes of women with diabetes towards preconception care. Methods Ninety‐seven women with diabetes (Type 1, n = 89; Type 2, n = 8), aged 18–40 years, completed a pre‐DVD and post‐DVD intervention study by postal questionnaire. Beliefs and attitudes associated with preventing an unplanned pregnancy and seeking preconception care were assessed using a validated questionnaire; scales included benefits, barriers, personal attitudes and self‐efficacy. Knowledge of pregnancy planning and pregnancy‐related risks were assessed by a 22‐item questionnaire. Results After viewing the DVD there was significant positive change in women’s perceived benefits of, and their personal attitudes to, receiving preconception care and using contraception: change in score post‐DVD viewing 0.7 (95% confidence interval 0.3, 1.2), P = 0.003, and 0.8 (0.3, 1.2), P = 0.001, respectively. The DVD significantly improved self‐efficacy, that is, self‐confidence to use contraception for prevention of an unplanned pregnancy and to access preconception care [3.3 (1.9, 4.7), P