“Quality of life of high risk pregnant mothers residing in a rural community in Karnataka - A cross sectional study”

Background

High-risk pregnancies are defined by complications that increase the likelihood of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. In India, over 30 % of pregnancies are classified as high risk, contributing significantly to perinatal mortality if not managed appropriately. Pregnancy involves various physiological, physical, and emotional changes that can affect a woman's perception of her quality of life. In highrisk pregnancies, these natural changes may lead to more significant adverse outcomes for mother and the fetus.

Objectives

1. To identify the risk factors associated with high risk pregnancy. 2. To assess the quality of life among pregnant ladies attending attending a Taluk hospital.

Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted at the obstetric OPD in Karkala taluk hospital. At an absolute error of 8 % and 95 % confidence interval the minimum sample size was calculated to be 80. Through consecutive sampling,the study subjects were selected. Dutta and Das scoring and WHO QoL BREF questionnaire were used to identify the high risk pregnancy and QOL of the pregnant ladies respectively.

Results

Among the pregnant ladies who participated,18.8 % were high risk. The most common risk factors identified among them were previous abortion, caesarean section, anemia and bleeding PV There was significant association between quality of life and high risk pregnancy. 93.8 % of high risk pregnant ladies,66.7 % of moderate risk pregnant ladies and 12%of low risk pregnant ladies were having poor quality of life respectively.

Conclusion

High-risk pregnancies require specialized attention and comprehensive screening of physical, psychological, social, and environmental factors domains of quality of life.