Preeclampsia among Omani women: prevalence and associated risk factors.

BACKGROUND

Preeclampsia is a significant pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and potential organ damage, posing substantial risks to both maternal and neonatal health.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to identify the prevalence of Preeclampsia and associated risk factors among Omani women.

DESIGN

An unmatched retrospective case-control study.

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted at two tertiary hospitals in Oman. Data were collected retrospectively from 668 women (167 with PE and 501 normotensive controls), including demographic, obstetric, and clinical variables. Data was analyzed using Pearson Chi-square tests and independent t-tests for associations or differences. Binary logistic regression was used to explore independent predictors of Preeclampsia, excluding diagnostic criteria (hypertension, proteinuria) from the model.

RESULTS

The cohort-based prevalence of preeclampsia among the screened study population was 25.0%. Women with preeclampsia had significantly higher gravidity (p = 0.017) and parity (p < 0.001) compared with controls. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, lower gestational age at delivery (AOR =  0.92 per additional week; 95% CI: 0.87-0.97; p = 0.003) and higher gravidity (AOR=1.45 per unit increase; 95% CI: 1.05-2.01; p = 0.025) were identified as independent predictors of Preeclampsia.

CONCLUSION

Gestational age and gravidity are significant predictors of PE in Omani women, providing crucial baseline data for national maternal health strategies and highlighting the need for increased prenatal attention for women with shorter gestations and higher gravidity.