Pregnancy-induced hypertension and its associated risk factors among pregnant garment workers attending an urban health center in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT

Background: Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) can lead to severe morbidity, long-term disability, and mortality among mothers and their infants. PIH is increasing worldwide, disproportionately affecting more mothers in developing countries.  This study aims to determine the prevalence of PIH and its associated risk factors among pregnant garment workers attending an urban health center in Bangladesh.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant garment workers at ≥20 weeks of gestation, who visited a health center of a garment in Narayanganj, Bangladesh between July and October 2023. Data on socio-demographics, clinical characteristics including body weight and blood pressure, and family history of chronic diseases were gathered. Logistic regression was done to calculate crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) to identify factors associated with PIH.

Result:  With an average age of 27.3 years (standard deviation 3.2) and nearly two-thirds of the 150 participants having completed secondary education or higher, the mean gestational age was 21.7 weeks. One out of ten had a family history of high blood pressure and 2% had a family history of PIH. The overall prevalence of PIH was 7.3%. Higher risk for PIH was linked to family history of PIH (aOR 18.1; 95% CI 1.3, 251.3).

Conclusion: The study identified that one out of every 14 pregnant garment workers had PIH. The findings highlight that a family history of PIH significantly increases the likelihood of developing PIH in this population. Therefore, pregnant women with this risk factor should be prioritised by health care professionals.