Objective  To explore the effect of problem-based education (PBL) on compliance behavior and maternal as well as infant complications in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

  Methods  A total of 96 patients with GDM were randomly divided into control group and observation group. Both groups received routine treatment of GDM. The control group (n=48) was given traditional mode of GDM health education, while the observation group (n=48) was given PBL based GDM health education on the basis of the control group. The self-management ability of GDM patients was assessed with the DM Management Self-efficacy Scale (C-DMSES), and the occurrence of complications in mother and infant were followed up.

  Results  After nursing, the scores of scientific diet, regular exercise, regular blood sugar monitoring and medication according to doctor′s advice in C-DMSES Scale were significantly increased in both groups (P < 0.01), and the scores of C-DMSES Scale in observation group were significantly higher than those in control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the rate of fetal malformation between the two groups during follow-up (P>0.05), but the incidence of polyhydramnios, gestational hypertension, premature delivery and macrosomia in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05).

  Conclusion  PBL based GDM health education can significantly improve the self-management ability of GDM patients and reduce the risk of maternal and infant complications.