An Epidemiological Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy in a Health Block of Kashmir

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are among the major complications of pregnancy and are important causes of maternal and peri-natal morbidity and mortality, especially in the developing world. However, the incidence and prevalence of PIH vary from one country to another. Aims and objectives: The present study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence and identify socio-demographic correlates of hypertension in pregnancy in health block (Hajin) of Kashmir. Study design: a cross-sectional study. Participants: pregnant women. Method: The study was conducted in randomly selected 11 subcenters out of the total 22 sub-centres in health block Hajin, the field practice area of the Department of Community Medicine SKIMS, Soura. Appropriate history regarding socio-demographic particulars, diet, maternal activity, stress, smoking, etc. was taken and relevant findings at clinical examination including blood pressure were recorded as per the pre-designed proforma. Appropriate statistical tests were used for analysis. Results and analysis: A total of 350 registered pregnancies in selected sub-centres were included in the present study. The prevalence of hypertension in pregnancy was 7.4% (26 women out of 350).The hypertensive subjects comprised of chronic hypertension in 46.2%, gestational hypertension in 42.3% and pre-eclampsia in 11.5%. History of cesarean section, BMI (during the first trimester) > 23Kg/m2, increased daily calorie intake, high mental stress and decreased physical activity were found to be significantly associated with hypertension in pregnancy. In contrast, age, smoking and family history of hypertension were not significantly associated with hypertension in pregnancy. Conclusion: our study found that increased BMI, decreased physical activity and increased mental stress are significant risk factors for hypertension in pregnancy. Implication: This group of patients needs more frequent clinical monitoring for early detection and management of hypertension as well as attention towards risk factor modification.