Risk factors of pre-eclampsia in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

A prospective observational study of the risk factors of pre-eclampsia in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital; Kano; Nigeria over a 5 year period was conducted. The socio-demographic characteristics and obstetric variables of 212 women who had pre-eclampsia and delivered in our unit; were compared with that of the other women who delivered in our unit but did not have pre-eclampsia during the period of study. The data obtained were analyzed using Epi-Info Version 6.0 (CDC Atlanta USA). Chi-square test was used to compare groups for significant differences. P-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. The odds ratio (OR) and 95confidence interval (CI) were determined. Extremes of reproductive age and parity; low socioeconomic and unbooked status; positive family history of hypertention and ecess weight gain were found to be significant risk factors. Provision of free or subsidized and accessible antenatal care services; campaign for female education and employment; as well as acceptance of modern family planning methods; will prevent pregnancies at extremes of reproductive age; grandmultiparity; and unbooked status; and reduce the prevalence of pre-eclampsia