Family history of chronic illness, preterm gestational age and smoking exposure before pregnancy increases the probability of preeclampsia in Omo district in southern Ethiopia: a case-control study

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is a complex syndrome that is considered a disorder specific to pregnancy. However, research indicates that diffuse maternal endothelial damage may persist after childbirth. On the other hand, women who had a history of pre-eclampsia are at an increased risk of vascular disease. Considering that the multifactorial nature of pre-eclampsia in a remote health setting, knowledge of risk factors of preeclampsia gives epidemiological significance specific to the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the determinants of preeclampsia among pregnant women attending perinatal service in Omo district Hospitals in southern Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution-based unmatched case-control study design was conducted among women visiting for perinatal service in Omo District public hospitals between February to August 2018. A total of 167 cases and 352 controls were included. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were computed to examine the effect of the independent variable on preeclampsia using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26 window compatible software. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Factors that were found to have a statistically significant association with pre-eclampsia were primary relatives who had history of chronic hypertension (AOR 2.1, 95% CI: 1.06–4.21), family history of diabetes mellitus (AOR 2.35; 95% CI: 1.07–5.20), preterm gestation(AOR = 1.56, 95%CI, 1.05–2.32), and pre-conception smoking exposure (AOR = 4.16, 95%CI, 1.1–15.4). CONCLUSIONS: The study identified the risk factors for pre-eclampsia. Early detection and timely intervention to manage pre-eclampsia, and obstetric care providers need to emphasize women at preterm gestation and a history of smoking before pregnancy.