Abstract
BACKGROUND: Increased maternal morbidity and mortality as well as poor neonatal outcomes are two major public health concerns associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) GDM. Maternal health can be improved using tele-nursing, especially in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited. The study’s aim is to assess the effects of tele-nursing with standard nursing care as a novel strategy for improving the lifestyle, self-efficacy, and satisfaction of women with gestational diabetes. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental design was used. SETTING: Three major hospitals in Tanta City’s outpatient clinics served as the study’s prenatal care units. Sample: The study included two hundred mothers with gestational diabetes who were split into two groups: Tele-nursing and Traditional. TOOLS: Four tools were used for data collection: Tool I: Structured interviewing questionnaire for knowledge assessment, Tool II: Health promotion lifestyle profile scale, Tool III: Self-efficacy of health activities, and Tool IV: Satisfaction of Women the Likert scale. RESULTS: The study revealed that there was a statistically significant increase in the total knowledge scores for both groups, adherence to routine blood testing, and compliance with healthy lifestyle practices after the intervention; however, the improvement of the tele-nursing group’s improvement was more noticeable. Moreover, analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between the total score of healthy lifestyle practices and the total knowledge score in both groups, indicating that higher knowledge levels were associated with better adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors. This suggests that enhancing women’s knowledge through targeted interventions such as tele-nursing can play a pivotal role in promoting healthier practices and improving self-care outcomes. CONCLUSION: The study findings indicate that tele-nursing support can substantially improve health promotion lifestyle profiles, self-efficacy, and maternal satisfaction, while effectively maintaining optimal blood glucose control in mothers with gestational diabetes. Additionally, it was found to enhance adherence to scheduled antenatal visits, highlighting its value as a supportive intervention in maternal healthcare. RECOMMENDATIONS: Based on the evidence of tele-nursing effectiveness, health policymakers should integrate tele-nursing into routine care protocols for gestational diabetic women across all healthcare levels. Implementing this approach can enhance patient monitoring, improve treatment adherence, reduce complications, and optimize resource utilization, ultimately contributing to better maternal and neonatal health outcomes. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.