Epidemiology of high risk pregnancy in Sousse, Tunisia

ABSTRACT

This descriptive study assessed the frequency of selected risk factors for high risk pregnancy [HRP] among women in Sousse region. All pregnant women [beyond 28 weeks gestation] giving birth in 4 public maternity hospitals between 15 February 2005 and 15 August 2005 and who had at least 1 risk factor were enrolled. Data were collected within 24 hours of birth from obstetric and antenatal records and by interview. Of 4660 pregnant women, 1194 [25.6%] had at least 1 risk factor and were considered at-risk pregnancies. Mean age of the at-risk women was 31.3 [SD 5.4] years, 73% were urban residents, 38% had secondary education or higher and 75% were housewives. The mean number of risk factors was 1.5 per woman. The majority of women [59.3%] had 1 risk factor and 30.4% had 2. The mean number of prenatal visits was 4, 68.6% were seen by an obstetrician and 43% used the private sector. Certain factors were inadequately screened age > 35 years, parity > 4, previous low birth weight and neonatal death, excessive fundal height and anaemia