A study of epidemiological factors in antenatal mothers with pregnancy-induced hypertension at the tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is one of the most common causes of both maternal and neonatal morbidity, affecting about 5%–8% of pregnant women. The risk factors postulated to influence the risk of PIH among the mothers include sociodemographic factors, genetic factors, pregnancy-related complications, or personal factors. Objectives: The objective of this study is to study the sociodemographic profile, prevalence, and epidemiological risk factors of PIH in antenatal patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at GMC Latur, Maharashtra, India, as a part of postgraduation thesis work and was approved by MUHS Nashik. A total of 1600 antenatal care cases were selected. The study variables included mother's age, parity, height, body mass index, socioeconomic profile, and diet. Interviewer administered questionnaires were used to capture the demographic data and obstetric history. PIH prevalence in this study was found to be 6.06%. Primi-parity, age above 30 years, poor socioeconomic status, less education, joint family, >36 weeks of gestation, >5 g of salt intake, and moderate-to-severe anemia are some of the important epidemiological risk factors found to be associated with PIH. Conclusion: Pregnancy in later stages and primigravida's should be monitored carefully for PIH, and it should be prevented. Health education should be given about the consumption of iron tablets and iron rich food items to prevent anemia.

Keywords

• demography
• pregnancy-induced hypertension
• risk factors
• socioeconomic profile