Congenital heart disease: factor affecting it and role of RBSK in dealing with situation

Abstract

Background: Congenital heart diseases (CHD) is the second leading cause of death in infancy and childhood. So the purpose of this study to know socio-demographic profile and the maternal risk factors affecting CHD, and the role of RBSK in screening with respect to CHD.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during June to October 2016 in Ahmedabad city. Parents of 169 children with CHD who were beneficiaries of RBSK during the previous 3 months were interviewed.Results: The majority of children were in the age group of 0-3 years 49.7% (mean±SD= 4.26±4). Majority of families belonged to the lower middle class IV (41.4%). 44% of mothers had primary education. Mothers with age >30 yrs were 55.6%. Only 30.9% of mothers had taken folic acid during the periconceptional period. Mothers with previous adverse pregnancy outcome were 40.2%. Maternal stress and high blood pressure were present in 33.7% and 24.8% of the mothers respectively. 48% of children were diagnosed through Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK).Conclusions: Lower middle class, lower maternal education, advanced maternal age, low folic acid intake, previous adverse pregnancy outcome, maternal stress and high blood pressure were the leading risk factors for CHD. RBSK is playing important role in screening and diagnosing of patients.