A Cross-Sectional Study about Demographic and Medical Characteristics of Hypertensive Pregnant Women in Two Secondary Healthcare Facilities, in Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

Background Hypertension is one of the major causes of related maternal deaths worldwide and it is one of the most common medical disorders encountered during pregnancy.

Aim This study aimed at assessing the demographic and medical characteristics of hypertensive pregnant women in two secondary healthcare facilities, in Ilorin, Nigeria

Method This was a cross-sectional study among 104 pregnant women with hypertension attending the outpatient department of General Hospital and Civil Service Clinic, Ilorin between March and May 2021. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on sociodemographics. Data on the medical characteristics of the respondents and their medications were extracted from the respondent's medical files. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ministry of Health and General Hospital, Ilorin. For statistical analysis for categorical measurements, the frequencies and percentages were computed.

Results Seventy-five percent of the correspondents were below 36 years old, 97% were married, 79% had tertiary education, and 74% were above 24 weeks of gestation. About 68% of the correspondents had blood pressure more than or equal to 140/90 and 10% had blood pressure more than 160 mm Hg systolic or more than 100 mm Hg diastolic. About 78.8% of the correspondents had a family history of hypertension, 13.5% had a family history of diabetes mellitus, and 22.1% had a family history of obesity. About 27.9% had pre-existing hypertension, 61.5% developed hypertension before the end of 20 weeks of gestation, and 10.6% developed hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation. About 24% had their antihypertensive medication changed during pregnancy, 38.5% were treated with methyldopa, 31.7% with nifedipine, and 27% with nifedipine and methyldopa. Majority (83.6%) of the respondents were not adherent to their medications.

Conclusion Two-third of the patients had poor blood pressure control irrespective of the fact that all were under drug therapy. Family history and large body mass index are the main risk factors for the development of hypertension during pregnancy. Noncompliance may play a significant role in no drug response.

Keywords

gestational hypertension - pregnancy - chronic hypertension - pre-eclampsia - medication adherence

Introduction

When the systolic blood pressure (SBP) level is 140 mm Hg or higher or a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) level of 90 mm Hg or higher, it is called hypertension.[1] Hypertension in pregnancy is classified into three major categories: pre-existing (chronic) hypertension, gestational hypertension, and pre-eclampsia (which includes eclampsia).[2] The National High Blood Pressure Education Program Working Group has recommended that the term “gestational hypertension” should be used instead of “pregnancy-induced hypertension” to describe situations in which elevated blood pressure without proteinuria develops in a woman after 20 weeks of pregnancy and blood pressure levels return to normal after delivery[1] The World Health Organization (WHO) Multi-country Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health—a cross-sectional hospital-based survey in 29 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East reported 0.21% of women in Africa to have chronic hypertension, and 0.55% had pre-eclampsia.[3] An unacceptably high number of maternal deaths occur in Nigerian public tertiary hospitals annually with obstetric hemorrhage and hypertensive disorders being the most frequent causes of organ dysfunctions.[4] The effectiveness of medical treatment is influenced not only by the patients' commitment (adherence) to the prescribed regimen but also important is the safety, effectiveness, and appropriateness of the drugs used.[5] The goal of chronic and gestational hypertension treatment during pregnancy is to prevent maternal hypertension-related problems, maintain a healthy pregnancy, and lower the risk of preterm birth. Conversely, to prevent fetal dysplasia or congenital malformations caused by a rapid decrease in uterine–placental perfusion to the fetus due to antihypertensive medication treatment, the amount and duration of drug exposure should be reduced.[6]

Recommended antihypertensive medications include hydralazine, labetalol, nifedipine, methyldopa, and magnesium sulfate.[7] Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, (ACEIs) on the other hand, should be avoided during pregnancy due to the risk of fetal renal dysfunction, oligohydramnios, fetal growth restriction, skeletal deformity, limb contracture, patent ductus arteriosus, lung hypoplasia, and neonatal death.[8] ACEIs should also be avoided in women of childbearing age.[9] In addition, thiazide, a diuretic, if utilized for chronic hypertension in patients prior to pregnancy, can also be used as a second antihypertensive agent in consideration of renal function.[7] Labetalol is a nonselective α-1 and β-blocker that is supplied intravenously at a dose of 20 mg and then analyzed within 10 minutes.[10] [11] Although methyldopa, an oral medicine, can be used safely during pregnancy because it does not cause any issues in the fetus or newborn, it does induce side effects in pregnant women such as lethargy or depression. The objective of this study was to evaluate the demographic and medical characteristics of hypertensive pregnant women in two secondary healthcare facilities, in Ilorin, Nigeria.

Methods

Study Design

A cross-sectional study among pregnant women attending the ante-natal clinic was recruited from General Hospital and Civil Service Hospital, Ilorin. Inclusion criteria included pregnant women with pre-existing hypertension, pregnant women with pregnancy-induced hypertension, pregnant women with hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The exclusion criteria included pregnant women with mental illness that could interfere with their response, and pregnant women with other disease conditions apart from hypertension and type 2 DM.

Sampling Size Determination

The sample size for the pregnant women involved in the study was determined using the statistical formula by Fischer n = Z²pq/d². With regard to this study, the prevalence of hypertension in pregnancy in Nigeria is 17%.[12]

Data Collection

The study was conducted by interviewing the respondents using structured questionnaires and by extracting the respondents' medication records from the patients' files. Selected patients' files were serialized to avoid repetition. The questionnaires consisted of three sections. Section A contained sociodemographic and health characteristics of the respondents. Section B contained questions relating to the risk factors of the disease condition. Section C contained the medications used in the management of hypertension and section D was on medication adherence. Medication adherence was assessed using the four-item medication adherence questionnaire (MAQ). Respondents answering “No” to all items on MAQ were identified as “adherent.” Answering “Yes” to at least one of the MAQ was said to be “non-adherent.” MAQ was selected because it has been globally validated to identify adherence behaviors in chronic disease populations. It included the following questions:

1. Do you ever forget to take your medications?

2. When you feel better do you sometimes stop to take your medications?

3. When you travel do you sometimes forget to take along your medications with you?

4. Do you sometimes feel inconvenient taking your medications?

The questionnaires were administered to the eligible respondents by the researcher. Research ethics such as freedom to decline or consent to participate in the study were observed. Anonymity of participant and confidentiality of responses were also ensured.

Data Analysis

The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.00 was used for data entry and data analyses. Percentages and tables were used to present summarized data. For categorical measurements, the frequencies were computed.

Ethical approval: Ethical approval was obtained from the Ministry of Health, Kwara State, Ilorin, Nigeria with Ethical No: MOK/KS/EU/777/425

Results

[Table 1] shows that 75.0% of the respondent were within the age group 18 to 36 years, while 25.0% were above 37 years old. About 97% were married. About 78.8% had a tertiary level of education, and 20.2% had secondary education. Majority of the respondents (74.0%) were within 25 to 36 weeks of gestation (third trimester).

Table 1 Sociodemographic characteristics of respondents

Variables	Responses	Frequency	Percentage
Age	18–36 years	78	75.0
	37–55 years	26	25.0
Marital status	Single	1	1.0
	Married	101	97.1
	Divorced	2	1.9
Educational qualification	Primary education	1	1
	Secondary education	21	20.2
	Tertiary education	82	78.8
Age of gestation	Less than 12 weeks	2	1.9
	12–24 weeks	25	24.1
	25–36 weeks	77	74.0

[Table 2] shows that majority of respondents (68.3%) had poor blood pressure control, while 10.5% had a sever hypertension. About 78.8% of the respondents had a family history of hypertension, 17.3% had a history of chronic hypertension, while 13.5% had a family history of DM and 22.1% a family history of obesity. Most of the respondents have normal body mass index (BMI; 39.4%), with 28.8% were overweight, and 17.4% were obese.

Table 2 Blood pressure and risk factors of the disease condition

	Variable	Frequency	Percentage
Blood pressure (mm Hg)	≤ 140/80	22	21.1
	≥140/90	71	68.3
	(SBP≥ 160 or DBP≥100)	11	10.5
Risk factors	Family history of HTN	82	78.8
	Family history of DM	14	13.5
	Family history of obesity	23	22.1
Body mass index (kg/m2)	Under weight <18.5	15	14.4
	Normal weight 18.5–24.9	41	39.4
	Overweight 25–29.9	30	28.8
	Obese > 30	18	17.4

Abbreviations: DBP, diastolic blood pressure; DM, diabetes mellitus; HTN, hypertension; SBP, systolic blood pressure.

[Table 3] shows the history of morbidity. About 28% of the patients had pre-existing hypertension, while 61.5% developed hypertension before 20 weeks gestation and 10.6% developed hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation. In total, 98.1% of the patients had hypertension only, and 1.9% had hypertension and DM.

Table 3 History of disease conditions

Variables	Responses	Frequency	Percentage
Previously on antihypertensive medication.	Yes	29	27.9
Previously on ACEI	Yes	4	3.8
Changed antihypertensive medications after conception	Yes	25	24
Trimester of diagnosis of hypertension.	Pre-existing	29	27.9
	< 20 weeks	64	61.5
	>20 weeks	11	10.6
Morbid/comorbid condition in pregnancy	Only hypertension	102	98.1
	Both hypertensive and diabetic	2	1.9

Abbreviation: ACEI, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor.

[Table 4] shows the antihypertensive medications taken by the respondents during pregnancy. About 38.5% of the respondents were on methyldopa only, 31.7% were on nifedipine only, while 26.9% were on nifedipine and methyldopa.

Table 4 The present medications history

Medications	Frequency	Percentage
Methyldopa	40	38.5
Nifedipine	33	31.7
Nifedipine and methyldopa	28	26.9
Nifedipine, methyldopa, and hydralazine	1	1.0
Amlodipine	2	1.9

[Table 5] shows medication adherence score. Majority (83.65%) of the respondents were not adherent to their medications, while 16.35% were adherent to their medication.

Table 5 Medication adherence score

MAQ score	Frequency	Percentage
1–4	87	83.65
0	17	16.35
Total	104	100.00

Abbreviation: MAQ, medication adherence questionnaire.

Discussion

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the health condition of pregnant women diagnosed with hypertension in relation to blood pressure control, risk factors, drug treatment, and adherence to therapy.

We found that about 68% of the correspondents in this study had blood pressure more than or equal to 140/90. Globally, high blood pressure (one of the criteria for pre-eclampsia) occurs in 6 to 8% of all pregnancies and contributes significantly to maternal, fetal, and neonatal morbidity.[11] A study in Nigeria showed a prevalence of pre-eclampsia in pregnant hypertensive women to be 6%.[12] One of the possible risk factors for pre-eclampsia is maternal ages, and the mean age in this study was 35 ± 2.27. Women over 35 years old have four to fivefold risk of suffering pre-eclampsia compared to women aged between 25 and 29 years.[13] On the other hand, 10% of the pregnant women in our study had sever hypertension (an SBP≥170 mm Hg or DBP > 110 mm Hg). It was reported that severe chronic hypertension increases the risk of pre-eclampsia to as high as 46% with resultant raised maternal and fetal risks.[14] About 79% of the pregnant women had tertiary education; this suggests that the study population is relatively well-educated. However, it appears that their education does not necessarily translate into positive outcomes in terms of their health welfare. Similarly, it was reported that high literacy level has not impacted positively on pregnant women health-seeking behavior.[14] It was suggested that the outcomes for pregnancy complicated by hypertension range from uneventful pregnancy in women with chronic, controlled hypertension to death in cases of pre-eclampsia–eclampsia. The major adverse outcomes include central nervous system injuries such as seizures (eclampsia), hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes, hepatic damage ranging from transaminase elevation, the so-called “HELLP syndrome” (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets), hepatic failure, renal dysfunction as well as increased frequency of cesarean delivery, preterm delivery, and abruptio placentae.[15] [16] [17]

When we looked for risk factors related to gestational hypertension, we found that 78.8% of the patients had family history of hypertension, 22.1% family history of obesity, and 17.3% family history of DM. These findings suggest that there may be a genetic predisposition or familial influence contributing to the development of gestational hypertension in these individuals. It has been suggested that the presence of hypertension in first-degree relatives increases the risks of pre-eclampsia.[18]

Another factor we studied was the BMI. We found that 46.2% of respondent had a BMI more than 25 mg/kg. A study carried out at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, Nigeria shows that BMI more than 25 mg/kg is a risk factor for developing pre-eclampsia,[18] gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, cesarean section, and postpartum hemorrhage.[19] [20] Another documented risk factor for gestational hypertension is the presence of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity in first-degree relatives which increases the risks of gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia.[21] Delays in diagnosis and access to adequate treatment are major contributors to pre-eclampsia-related maternal and neonatal mortality.[22]

In terms of drug therapy, we found that 27.9% were already on antihypertensive therapy, only 3.8% were on ACEIs. Twenty-four percent of all patients had their antihypertensive therapy changed during pregnancy. Although the British Hypertension Society publish a guideline in 2004 recommend the use of ACEIs as first line for nonblack younger patients, it should be avoided in women of child-bearing age,[9] [23] as these drugs can cause fetotoxicity and could be teratogenic.

American Congress of Gynecology (ACOG) recommends methyldopa, labetalol, and nifedipine as first-line medications in the treatment of hypertension in pregnancy, and the use of diuretics only as a second-line medication in situations that specifically call for such a mechanism of action.[11] In our study, all respondents were prescribed antihypertensive that are considered safe in pregnancy by the ACOG.[1] These included methyldopa (38.5%), nifedipine (31.7%), or a combination of both (26.9%).

Nonadherence is a global issue among patients taking frequent medications, particularly in primary care and could be as high as 65%.[24] Noncompliance with chronic medications during pregnancy may have a negative impact on both the mother's and fetus's health.[5] There is paucity of data on medication adherence in pregnant women in Nigeria. It has been recognized that poorly treated conditions such as diabetes or chronic hypertension can result in unfavorable pregnancy outcomes if such health conditions are suboptimally treated. Therefore, appropriate clinical care of women's chronic disorders during pregnancy is critical for maternal–fetal health.[23] Majority of patients in our study (83.6%) were not adherent to their medications. Lupatteli et al noted that 32.9% of pregnant women had low medication adherence with cardiovascular disorder, 40.0% for epilepsy, 55.6% for rheumatic disorder, and 36.1% for bowel disorder, whereas only 17.1% of pregnant women with diabetes had the least in adherence.[23]

The high rate of low adherence may be due to apprehension about the teratogenic risks of these medications in pregnancy.[23] Other reasons for nonadherence include having prior children and lack of folic acid use increases the chances of low adherence during pregnancy by two to fivefolds.[23] Also having a previous experience with nonadherence in pregnancy without consequences, a general lack of awareness about hazards, and/or a lack of motivation to follow healthcare professionals' advice are all factors that have contribute to non-adherence in pregnant women.[23]

Conclusion

Two-third of the patients had poor blood pressure control irrespective of the fact that all were under drug therapy. Family history and large BMI are the main risk factors for the development of hypertension during pregnancy. Noncompliance may play a significant role in no drug response. These findings suggest that hypertension is a significant concern during pregnancy, and there is a need for improved adherence to medication and early intervention strategies to manage hypertensive disorders effectively.

Conflict of Interest

None declared.

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Publication History

Article published online:
09 February 2024