Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a multisystemic disorder of pregnancy that remains a leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity especially when condition of early onset. Despite its prevalence and potential for serious consequences, many pregnant women remain unaware of this condition.

Objectives: This study was to determine the prevalence, knowledge, associated factors and outcomes of PE among pregnant women.

Materials and Method: A cross sectional and a retrospective hospital-based study was carried out from March 2023 to May at the Buea Health Districts (BHD) among all pregnant women attending ANC and medical files of all women who gave birth. Sample size was calculated using the Cochran’s formular. A multistage sample was used after which authorization was obtained from school, regional delegation of public health as well as hospitals for which data was to be collected. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and data extraction sheet, then coded and entered in the excel spreadsheet, analysed using spss version 25.0 and the data obtained were represented graphically on tables and charts.

Result: Out of the 218 participant the prevalence of poor, moderate and good knowledge on PE was 111 (50.9%), 74 (33.9%), 33 (15.1%). The prevalence of PE was 5.96%. Pregnant women aged 25-29 years where most affected.

PE was associated with BMI >=30 (aOR: 4.25; 95%CI: 2.19 – 6.26), family history of hypertension (aOR: 1.92; 95%CI: 1.25 – 2.98), parity level (aOR: 0.32; 95%CI: 0.19 – 0.53). the maternal mortality ratio was 373 per 100000 live births and PE was associated with certain maternal outcomes like eclampsia 73(27.1%), Cardiovascular problem (4.1%), HELLP Syndrome (3.7%), postpartum PE (3.3%), placenta abruption (2.2%), renal failure (1.9%), postpartum eclampsia (1.9%), vision problem (0.7%) Similarly the neonatal outcomes were 40 neonatal deaths (14.9%) were recorded.  Other neonatal complications are as observed with the highest being preterm birth (27.5%), still birth (16.0%), hypoglycemia (12.3%), Low birth weight (12.3%) and jaundice (9.7%).

Conclusion: The knowledge of PE among pregnant women was poor and the prevalence of PE was high Also, the reported associated factors of PE where obesity, family history of hypertension and parity.  PE was associated with adverse maternal outcomes like (eclampsia, Cardiovascular problem, HELLP Syndrome) and neonatal outcomes (preterm birth, still birth, hypoglycemia). These results suggest a gap in maternal and neonatal health in the BHD, hence there is a need to do complete evaluation (clinical and laboratory) to better assess patient, encourage early patient referral and prompt management in the BHD.

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