Impact of Socioeconomic and Environmental Factors on Blood Pressure during Pregnancy in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are a significant public health concern, contributing to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Socioeconomic and environmental factors may influence the development of these conditions, particularly in low-resource settings like Bangladesh. This study aimed to evaluate the association between socioeconomic and environmental factors and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.
Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, from March 2023 to February 2024. A total of 80 pregnant women were enrolled. Data on demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, and environmental exposures were collected using a structured questionnaire. Blood pressure was measured, and participants were classified into hypertensive and normotensive groups. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, and associations were tested using chi-square and t-tests, with significance set at p<0.05.
Results: Among the participants, 35% (28/80) had hypertensive disorders. Low family income (≤10,000 BDT) was significantly associated with hypertensive disorders (64.3% vs. 19.2%, p<0.001*). Perceived high air pollution was reported by 64.3% of hypertensive women compared to 38.5% of normotensive women (p=0.025*). Use of tube well water was significantly associated with hypertensive disorders (64.3% vs. 30.8%, p=0.005*). Occupation and noise pollution showed no significant associations.
Conclusion: Socioeconomic and environmental factors, including low income, air pollution, and poor drinking water quality, are significantly associated with hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. Addressing these factors through targeted interventions could improve maternal health outcomes in Bangladesh