Identifying the unmet reproductive health needs for women with rheumatic diseases in Kuwait

Background

Women with rheumatic diseases (RDs) face unique challenges when it comes to family planning and pregnancy. These chronic conditions can significantly impact fertility, maternal health, and fetal outcomes.

Aim

of the work.

To better understand the specific reproductive health needs of women with RDs in Kuwait.

Patients and methods

The study was conducted in the outpatient rheumatology departments in two hospitals in Kuwait using an anonymized electronic survey. The survey consisted of 20 questions measuring patients’ demographics, rates of pregnancy counselling, and patient perceptions regarding pregnancy and breastfeeding in relation to their RD and medications. Non-pregnant females aged 21–49 with a confirmed RD diagnosis were enrolled.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 36 ± 7.5 years. Out of the 150 participants, the majority had rheumatoid arthritis (RA)(40 %) or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)(37.3 %). Half of the respondents were hoping to get pregnant in the future. About 63.3 % were advised about the importance of controlling their disease before pregnancy, but only 26 % had received guidance on contraception from their rheumatologists (regardless of their disease activity or treatment, including teratogenic medications). Many expressed a willingness to continue their rheumatic medications during pregnancy (64.7 %) and breastfeeding (57.3 %) if they were deemed safe. 57.5 % of patients were counselled regarding the need for regular antenatal follow-up once pregnancy is confirmed.

Conclusion

Significant gaps in the reproductive health counselling for women with RDs in Kuwait are revealed. Further research is needed to understand the barriers that prevent rheumatologists from providing this important guidance to their patients.