Maternal and fetal outcomes associated with preeclampsia an analysis in a Provincial Hospital in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Objective: The study sought to determine the rate and materno-fetal factors of preeclampsia among pregnant women admitted to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital (VCPH) from January 2023 to December 2024.

Materials and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study design was used. About 3,484 pregnant women aged 18 years and above who met the inclusion criteria admitted at VCPH were enrolled through simple random sampling. Descriptive statistics were used to present quantitative data, while risk factors were analyzed by the chi-square test using GraphicPad version 6 software; a p-value < 0.05 was set as statistically significant.

Results: The prevalence of preeclampsia was 5.3%. The clinical factor that had much impact on preeclampsia was mainly chronic hypertension [p = 0.008, OR: 4.1, CI (1.3–12.2)], gestational hypertension [p = 0.0016, OR: 0.3, CI (0.12–0.6)], and age ranges 18–23, 24–29, 30–35, and 42+ with p-value < 0.05. With regard to the maternal outcomes, hemorrhage had the most impact on pre-eclampsia [p < 0.0001, OR: 2.9, CI (2.1–3.9)], while neonatal mortality, stillbirth, and preterm were not associated with preeclampsia. However, the age groups with the highest fetal outcomes were found to be 18–23 and 30–35, including the low birth weight [p < 0.0001, OR: 6.1, CI (2.4–15.9)].

Conclusion: The prevalence found in this study falls within the range of the world prevalence of 2.0–8.0%. Chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, hemorrhage, and lower birth weight were the most significant factors associated with preeclampsia. In order to alleviate the burdens on maternal, fetal, and neonatal health, governments should focus on educating women about the dangers of preeclampsia.