Outcome of Pregnancy in Patients with Pre-Pregnancy Obesity in Douala, Cameroon
Gregory E. Halle-Ekane *
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon.
Jacqueline B. Nsom
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Regional Hospital Buea, Cameroon.
Ndemazie N. Bechem
College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, USA.
John N. Palle
Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon.
Fulbert N. Mangala
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Douala General Hospital, Cameroon.
Phillip N. Njotang
Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide, especially in women of child-bearing age with deleterious effects during pregnancy. This study sort to determine the prevalence of pre-pregnancy obesity, its risk factors, socio-obstetrical profile and obstetric outcomes in Douala, Cameroon.
Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried in Doula from 1st December, 2014 to 28th February, 2015. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from women at their third trimester of pregnancy. Pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) was computed and the women classified according to their BMIs as obese (BMI ≥30kg/m2) or non-obese (BMI<30 kg/m2). These two groups of cohorts were followed up during pregnancy and delivery and the obstetric outcomes were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was used in determining factors associated with pre-pregnancy obesity.
Results: Three hundred and fifty participants were enrolled into the study. The prevalence of pre-pregnancy obesity was 14.7% (95% CI: 11.1-18.8). It was associated with a family history of obesity [RR= 2.2 (CI: 1.15-4.43)] and increasing maternal age [RR=4.3(CI:1.59-11.41)]. Meanwhile marital status and parity were related to pre-pregnancy obesity, however, there was no statistically significant associations. Pre-pregnancy obesity was associated with an increased rate of Caesarean section (P=0.04), nonetheless adverse fetal outcomes.
Conclusion: The prevalence of pre-pregnancy obesity in Douala was high. Advanced maternal age, parity, marital status and a family history of obesity were associated with pre-pregnancy obesity. Pre-pregnancy obesity was associated with increased caesarean section rate. Therefore, screening for pre-gestational obesity should be encouraged to decrease the rate of caesarean section.
Keywords: Pre-pregnancy obesity, maternal, fetal, outcomes, Douala