Publication:

Maternal risk factors among antenatal women in relation to socio-demographic, clinical and lifestyle factors: a community-based cross-sectional study

Background Maternal risk factors such as anemia, hypertension, diabetes and abnormal body mass index (BMI) remain major contributors to adverse pregnancy outcomes in India. Early identification of these conditions through community-based antenatal screening is essential for timely intervention. Objectives were to identify maternal risk factors among antenatal women and to compare women with and without complications based on socio-demographic, clinical and lifestyle factors.

Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using routinely collected data from a one-day antenatal care camp held at an Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC), Buddhanagara. All pregnant women attending the camp with complete records were included by universal sampling. Socio-demographic variables were compared between women with and without maternal risk factors such as anemia, hypertension, diabetes and abnormal body mass index (BMI). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test.

Results A total of 61 antenatal women were included. The prevalence of anemia, hypertension, diabetes and abnormal BMI was 85.2%, 6.6%, 8.2% and 77.0% respectively. Maternal risk factors were significantly associated with increasing age, lower educational status, unemployment and higher parity. Women with identified complications were more likely to require referral to higher health facilities.

Conclusion Maternal risk factors were common among antenatal women and showed significant association with socio-demographic characteristics. Community-based antenatal screening camps play a crucial role in early detection and referral of high-risk pregnancies.