Unravelling non-communicable diseases among pregnant women in a lower-middle-income country and the feto-maternal outcomes: a descriptive cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among pregnant women in Sri Lanka and examine the association between NCDs and maternal and fetal outcomes.

Design: A hospital-based, descriptive cross-sectional study.

Setting: The study was conducted in three tertiary care hospitals in the Western Province and one intermediate obstetrics care facility in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, encompassing diverse, multiethnic populations, over 3 months.

Participants: Data from 1350 pregnant women were collected from discharged bed head tickets of the postnatal obstetric wards using a standardised checklist.

Primary and secondary outcome measures: The primary outcomes were the prevalence of NCDs. Secondary outcomes included associations between maternal NCDs and adverse fetal outcomes such as preterm births and neonatal complications.

Results: Among the participants, 68.5% (n=926) had one or more NCDs, with anaemia (37.9%), obesity (18.1%), gestational diabetes mellitus (14.9%) and hypertensive disorders (13.6%) being the most prevalent. Women with NCDs were at significantly higher odds of adverse fetal outcomes, including preterm birth (OR=2.3, 95% CI: 1.5 to 3.4), neonatal sepsis (OR=2.5, 95% CI: 1.5 to 4.04) and hypoglycaemia (OR=3.5, 95% CI: 1.2 to 10.0). Maternal complications, including postpartum haemorrhage (3.3%) and placental abruption (0.7%), were also more frequent in this group.

Conclusions: NCDs are highly prevalent among pregnant women in Sri Lanka and are significantly associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Enhanced screening and management strategies during antenatal care are essential to mitigate risks and improve health outcomes, aligning with global efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.