A Study to Assess the Sociodemographic Determinants and Risk Factors Associated with Pre-eclampsia and its Associated Perinatal Outcomes

Abstract

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are the second most common cause of maternal mortality right after haemorrhage. They constitute about 16% of maternal mortality (World Health Organisation, 2025). The incidence of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) is around 5-15 % of all pregnancies in India and it increases the risk of maternal morbidity and neonatal mortality. This study was undertaken to assess the socio demographic determinants and risk factors associated with pre-eclampsia and its perinatal outcomes. A cross-sectional hospital based study was conducted in the obstetrics and gynaecology department of Integral Institute of Medical Science and Research, Lucknow from November 2023 to March 2025. 216 patients with PIH presenting to the OPD during this duration were taken up for the study. Data regarding sociodemographic details, risk factors and adverse foetal outcomes were collected through a set of prepared questionnaires and hospital records and analysed. A total of 216 women diagnosed with PIH and consenting for the study were taken up. Maximum cases of PIH were seen in the age bracket of 16-20 years which were 82 patients accounting to about 38% of the total. 134 patients belonged to low socioeconomic background which comprise about 62% of the total. Whereas 58.3% patients presenting with PIH came from rural areas and 55.6% patients were uneducated. No significant difference can be seen on the basis of occupation and religion in the incidence of PIH. Majority of patients presenting with PIH which is 54.6% were primigravida. Most commonly observed adverse outcome was preterm delivery which occurred in 56 patients accounting for about 25.9% of the cases followed by low birth weight babies which were 44 patients making 20.3% of the total. PIH being a multi system disorder has disastrous outcomes both on mother and child and due to its increasing incidence it is becoming a major public health concern. Therefore early identification, intervention and management is the need of the hour to help curb its detrimental impact on feto-maternal health. Spreading awareness, spotting high risk individuals and careful monitoring and follow up is required to help reduce mortality and morbidity associated with PIH.