Clinical and epidemiological factors of internal diseases in females of reproductive age

Abstract

Aim. To identify the factors of internal and nutrition-related diseases in females of reproductive age. Methods. A comprehensive general physical examination of 383 pregnant women aged 16 to 46 years old with the following internal diseases at pregnancy: gestational arterial hypertension (n=183), essential arterial hypertension (n=66), obesity (n=134) was conducted. Control group consisted of 153 pregnant women without any signs of internal diseases. Results. Combination of social and demographic, psychosomatic and inherited factors may define the risk of neurohormonal mechanisms deregulation, obesity, and type of arterial hypertension. Females with internal diseases had significantly lower level of physical activity compared to females of the control group. The largest number of long-term and heavy smokers was revealed in groups of female patients with gestational and essential arterial hypertension, patients with obesity and mature nulliparous women. Multivariate analysis showed that income level and physical activity of pregnant women have a significant impact on excessive fat body mass in pregnant women during gestation and before it. No statistically significant relationships between educational level and body mass index before pregnancy and at gestation were found. Conclusion. Factors influencing the risk for internal and nutrition-related diseases in females of reproductive age were: (1) the increased demand for nutrients and energy in developing placenta-fetus system, leading to irrational nourishment; (2) decreased body reserves, caused by repeated pregnancies and childbirth; (3) smoking; (4) social and economic status; (5) living area; (6) hereditary factors and constitutional features.