Abstract
BackgroundHypertension and gestational diabetes are among the leading causes of maternal and perinatal mortality, especially in rural areas of developing countries with meager health facilities. With early diagnosis and timely treatment, these adverse events can be decreased. The primary aim of this study was to implement a screening program for gestational diabetes and hypertension, and to assess risk factors associated with these conditions among antenatal women in the rural area of the Gujarat province in India.MethodsA cross–sectional study was conducted at one of the rural areas of Gujarat province in India. Following a random cluster sampling procedure, the village of Davas was selected. A multistage random sampling method was utilized, resulting in a sample of 346 antenatal women. Screening guidelines from the American Diabetes Association were followed for gestational diabetes screening.ResultsThe majority of antenatal mothers (55.50%) were between 21–25 years of age. 242 antenatal women were multigravida, and among them, 85.96% had institutional delivery at their last pregnancy. Of the total 346 women, 17.60% were prehypertensive. The prevalence of systolic hypertension was 1.40%, diastolic hypertension was 0.90%, and gestational diabetes was 1.73%.ConclusionSocioeconomically upper class, a family history of hypertension, and BMI ≥ 25 were strong risk factors for hypertension during pregnancy and gestational diabetes. Health education should be made readily available to antenatal mothers by paramedical workers regarding symptoms of hypertension and gestational diabetes mellitus for early self identification.
Highlights
Hypertension and gestational diabetes are among the leading causes of maternal and perinatal mortality, especially in rural areas of developing countries with meager health facilities
Based on modified Prasad classification for socioeconomic class, the majority of women belonged to lower socioeconomic classes. 39.60% of women were from class IV and 42.77% belonged to socioeconomic class V. 7.23% of antenatal women had a BMI ≥ 25
Most deliveries were institutional (85.96%) while 14.04% of mothers had their last delivery without medical supervision. Of this 14.04% of mothers, the majority had home delivery; some delivered at their work place, including farms. 11.57% had their deliveries conducted by traditional birth attendants (TBA) known as “dai” in India, while 2.47% of deliveries were conducted by other attendants
Summary
Hypertension and gestational diabetes are among the leading causes of maternal and perinatal mortality, especially in rural areas of developing countries with meager health facilities. The primary aim of this study was to implement a screening program for gestational diabetes and hypertension, and to assess risk factors associated with these conditions among antenatal women in the rural area of the Gujarat province in India. Methods: A cross–sectional study was conducted at one of the rural areas of Gujarat province in India. A multistage random sampling method was utilized, resulting in a sample of 346 antenatal women. Conclusion: Socioeconomically upper class, a family history of hypertension, and BMI ≥ 25 were strong risk factors for hypertension during pregnancy and gestational diabetes. Health education should be made readily available to antenatal mothers by paramedical workers regarding symptoms of hypertension and gestational diabetes mellitus for early self identification
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