Pregnancy Induced Hypertension and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Dilla University Gen-eral Hospital Ethiopia, 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy-induced hypertension is a major health concern within the obstetric population and remains one of the leading causes of maternal mor-bidity and mortality. The increasing prevalence of conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and obesity among women further exacerbates pregnancy-induced hypertension, underscoring the need for updated, region-specific data. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of pregnancy-induced hypertension and its associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Dilla University General Hospital in Ethiopia in 2023.

Method: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Dilla Univer-sity General Hospital from October 1 to November 20, 2023. Participants were selected using a systematic random sampling approach. Data collection employed a pretested, structured questionnaire administered by trained interviewers, sup-plemented by a review of patient records. Information was entered into EpiData (version 4.6.0.2) and analyzed using SPSS (version 26). Both bivariate and multi-variable logistic regression analyses were performed, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results were presented as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results: The study revealed the prevalence of pregnancy-induced hypertension of 15.3% (95% CI: 11.5, 18.9). Significant predictors of pregnancy-induced hyper-tension included primigravidity (AOR=1.863; 95% CI: 1.147-3.196) and a family history of chronic hypertension (AOR=2.795; 95% CI: 1.120-5.953).

Conclusions: This study found a high prevalence of pregnancy-induced hyper-tension. Notably, factors such as a family history of chronic hypertension and primigravidity were significantly associated with this condition. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating risk assessments and family history screenings into routine antenatal care to effectively mitigate the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension.