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Preeclampsia, prevalence and associated factors
Martin Chakulya1, Prince Mulambo1,2, Gift C Chama1,2
1Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Mulungushi University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Livingstone, Zambia.
Insights
Maternal age, family history, and prior preeclampsia (PE) history are key factors for developing PE in Zambia. Early screening and enhanced prenatal care are crucial for managing this obstetric complication.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Preeclampsia (PE) is a major cause of maternal and fetal mortality in Zambia.
- High prevalence of pregnancy-related hypertension necessitates identifying PE risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors associated with the development of preeclampsia (PE) in Zambia.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study conducted at Livingstone University Teaching Hospital, Zambia.
- Included 1018 participants; PE defined by new-onset hypertension and proteinuria.
- Analyzed demographic, clinical, and hematological parameters using logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of PE was 12.2%.
- Factors positively associated with PE included increasing maternal age (AOR: 1.07), previous PE history (AOR: 30.8), and family history of PE (AOR: 9.97).
- Increased gestational age was negatively associated with PE (AOR: 0.89).
Conclusions:
- Maternal age, family history, and prior obstetric history are significant risk factors for PE.
- Highlights the need for targeted screening and early intervention strategies.
- Enhanced prenatal care, including risk assessment and regular monitoring, is vital for PE management.
Background:
Preeclampsia (PE) is a significant obstetric complication associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Zambia, like several Sub-Saharan African nations, experiences a high prevalence of pregnancy-related hypertension, with PE being a major contributor to maternal and foetal mortality. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with the development of PE.
Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional study at Livingstone University Teaching Hospital in Zambia (LUTH). PE was defined as new-onset hypertension with systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg occurring after 20 weeks of gestation, accompanied by proteinuria with dipstick reading of 1 + . Data from patients' most recent hospital visits was collected by trained research assistants using medical record abstraction. A total of 1018 participants were included. Demographic, clinical, and haematological parameters were analysed. We conducted both descriptive and inferential analyses using Stata version 17. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were employed to investigate factors associated with PE.
Results:
The median age of participants was 27 years (IQR: 21-33). The prevalence of PE was 12.2% (n = 124). Among the 17.7% (n = 172) of participants who were employed, 19.1% (n = 33) had PE. Factors positively associated with PE included increasing age (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 1.07, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.02-1.12, p = 0.002), a previous history of PE (AOR: 30.8, 95% CI: 8.7-108.6, p < 0.001), and a family history of PE (AOR: 9.97, 95% CI: 2.53-39.27, p = 0.001). Conversely, a unit (week) increase in gestational age was negatively associated with PE (AOR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.83-0.97, p = 0.007).
Conclusion:
This study identifies maternal age, family history, and prior obstetric history as key associated factors for PE, emphasizing the need for targeted screening and early intervention. Enhanced prenatal care, including routine risk assessments, patient education, and regular monitoring through blood pressure checks, urine protein testing, and fetal growth assessments, is cardinal for early detection and effective management of high-risk individuals.
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