Maternal factors contributing to high-risk pregnancy in mothers receiving antenatal care at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital. A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background:

High-risk pregnancies pose serious threats to the health of both mothers and babies, especially in developing countries where access to quality maternal care is limited. This study aims to determine the maternal factors contributing to high-risk pregnancy in mothers receiving antenatal care at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital.

 Methodology:

The study used a descriptive cross-sectional design to collect quantitative data from participants using a structured questionnaire. The data was coded and analysed using Microsoft Excel and presented in charts, tables, and graphs.

 Results:

The majority of respondents were aged 20 years and below (44.78%), followed by those aged 20–34 years (29.85%) and 35 years and above (25.37%). Most women were cohabiting (44.78%), while others were married, divorced/separated, or widowed, with no single participants recorded. Most participants were first-time mothers (59.70%), while 40.30% were multiparous, with the majority having four or more pregnancies (67.16%). Most respondents were adolescents below 18 years (59.70%), followed by those aged 18–24 years (22.39%) and above 24 years (17.91%). Hypertension (29.85%) and anemia (26.87%) were the most common pregnancy-related conditions, followed by typhoid (13.43%), heart disease (11.94%), and diabetes (10.45%), while 7.46% had no conditions. Most participants (74.63%) had experienced complications in previous pregnancies. Regarding antenatal care, the majority (64.18%) initiated ANC after 24 weeks, indicating late booking. In terms of substance use, herbal medicine was most commonly used (53.73%), followed by alcohol (25.37%) and cigarettes (14.93%), while only a few reported no substance uses (5.97%).

 Conclusion:

High-risk pregnancies are mainly driven by maternal factors such as young age, low socio-economic status, high parity, medical conditions, and delayed antenatal care attendance.

 Recommendation:

Strengthening ANC education, promoting early booking, targeting high-risk groups, improving disease screening and management, increasing community awareness on substance use, and strengthening maternal healthcare services.