Abstract P558: Association of Reproductive Characteristics With Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Women in India an Analysis of Nationally Representative Data

Abstract

Introduction: In addition to established risk factors for cardiovascular disease, women have unique biological characteristics related to reproduction that may further contribute to their CV risk. Among South Asian Indians, this aspect has been understudied. This study addresses this gap by evaluating the relationship between reproductive characteristics and cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF) among women in India. Methods: We analyzed data from a community-based nationally representative sample of women aged 15-49 in the National Family Health Survey-5 (N= 724,115). Primary exposures (self-reported) included age at union and first delivery, use of contraception and history of pregnancy loss. Study outcomes (self-reported, objectively measured) were prevalent hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity. We estimated the association between each exposure and outcome using survey-weighted multivariable Poisson regression models adjusted for age, religion, caste, location, education and employment. Results: Prevalence (95% CI) of HTN (measured blood pressure of >=140/90 mm Hg), DM (self-reported or on medications to lower blood glucose levels) and obesity (body mass index > 25kg/m 2 ) was 25.8 (25.5, 26.2)%, 1.9 (1.8, 1.9)% and 24 (23.8, 24.2)%, respectively. Younger age at union and first delivery and, use of contraception [PR (95% CI): 1.13 (1.11, 1.16)] were associated with higher obesity. Pregnancy loss (due to miscarriage or abortion) was associated with higher prevalent DM [PR (95% CI): 1.21 (1.03, 1.41)] and obesity [PR (95% CI): 1.26 (1.22, 1.31)] ( Table ). Conclusion: Reproductive characteristics (age at union and first delivery, and pregnancy loss) are linked to higher prevalence of CMRF. These results provide impetus for screening for reproductive history and its inclusion in risk prediction algorithms for cardiovascular risk among Indian women. Table: Cross-sectional associations between reproductive characteristics with cardiometabolic risk factors, in the NFHS-5 (N= 724,115)