Socio-Economic Characteristics and Pregnancy Induced Hypertension in the Women of Western Region of India

The aim of this study was to describe socio-economic characteristics and pregnancy induced hypertension in the women and compared with normotensive pregnant women. During years October 2007-June 2010, 150 pregnant subjects were interviewed after admission in Gynecology ward with a questionnaire. We recorded socio-economic data for each patient. The cases were again sub grouped as normotensive controls, preeclampsia and eclampsia. The parameters for measurement of socioeconomic status were taken according to updated Kuppuswamy's socioeconomic status scale. The proportion of women with pregnancy-induced hypertensive was higher among urban women, among women with lower educational level and among unemployed subjects in comparison with normotensive pregnant subjects. It is, therefore, concluded that higher incidence of eclampsia was in Indian women belonging to lower socioeconomic status.