Prevalence and Adverse Effects of Maternal Obesity among Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinics at a Metropolitan Hospital in Southern Ghana

Diallo Abdoul Azize,Oppong Miriam,Agbeno Kofi Evans,Mouhajer Mohammed,Ken-Amoah Sebastian

doi:10.4236/ojog.2021.1111152

Abstract

Background: Maternal obesity and its associated health complications increase; however, area-specific data is lacking in Ghana. We attempted to assess the prevalence and adverse effects of maternal obesity in Ghana. Methods: Study population were women booking to, and gave birth to infants in Cape Coast Metropolitan Hospital, Ghana, during February 2018 to January 2019 (n = 510). Body mass index (BMI) during the first trimester was identified and analyzed in relation with outcomes/complications. Results: Incidence of maternal obesity (overweight/obese, BMI ≥ 25) was 37.3%. Of them, 34.4% had maternal complications such as postpartum haemorrhage, foetal distress, and cephalo-pelvic disproportion (in this order). The caesarian rate was 20.5%. Among the non obese women only 20% had maternal complications and the caesarian section rate was 16.2%. Obesity was positively correlated with maternal age and parity but was not with low socio-economic status. Obese women were more likely to have obstetric complications. Conclusions: Obese women were more likely to suffer obstetric complications and to have cesarean. Although present data was a confirmation of the existing data in other parts of the world, we believe that these data may be useful in making area-specific health policy.

Highlights

IntroductionAccording to the World Health Organization, overweight and obesity are de-
Present data was a confirmation of the existing data in other parts of the world, we believe that these data may be useful in making area-specific health policy
The pregnant women who could not have their subsequent antenatal visits and those who could not have their delivery at the Cape Coast Metropolitan Hospital

Summary

Introduction

According to the World Health Organization, overweight and obesity are de-. Body mass index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify overweight and obesity in adults. It is defined as a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of his height in meters (kg/m2) [1]. Maternal obesity and its associated health complications increase; area-specific data is lacking in Ghana. Among the non obese women only 20% had maternal complications and the caesarian section rate was 16.2%. Obese women were more likely to have obstetric complications. Conclusions: Obese women were more likely to suffer obstetric complications and to have cesarean. Present data was a confirmation of the existing data in other parts of the world, we believe that these data may be useful in making area-specific health policy

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion