Sociodemographic Characteristics of Hypertensive Pregnant Women in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are among the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Sociodemographic and obstetric factors may influence the occurrence and severity of these disorders, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Aim of the study: To evaluate the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of hypertensive pregnant women and determine factors associated with severe hypertensive disorders in a tertiary care hospital of Bangladesh. Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh, from January 2025 to December 2025. A total of 385 hypertensive pregnant women aged ≥18 years were enrolled using purposive sampling. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, family history, obstetric profile, and types of hypertensive disorders were collected through interviews and medical record reviews. Participants were categorized into severe and non-severe hypertensive disorder groups. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0, and associations were assessed by the chi-square test, considering p<0.05 as statistically significant. Result: The mean age of participants was 30.6±7.3 years. Most women were aged 26-35 years (41.3%), overweight (41.0%), rural residents (55.6%), and housewives (71.7%). Multigravida women constituted 67.8%, and 46.8% were in the third trimester. Preeclampsia was the most common hypertensive disorder (35.3%), followed by gestational hypertension (23.4%) and eclampsia (19.0%). Severe hypertensive disorders were significantly associated with age (p=0.021), BMI (p=0.008), residence (p=0.034), educational status (p=0.041), monthly family income (p=0.015), family type (p=0.047), and family history of hypertension (p=0.002). Conclusion: Preeclampsia was the predominant hypertensive disorder among pregnant women. Several sociodemographic and familial factors were significantly associated with severe disease. Identification of high-risk women and strengthening antenatal care may improve maternal and fetal outcomes.