Health literacy and risk factors for preeclampsia: A case-control study in community health centers of Maros district, south Sulawesi

Abstract

Background: Preeclampsia is one of the leading causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. It is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria occurring after 20 weeks of gestation. This study aims to analyze the role of health literacy, along with sociodemographic and medical factors, as determinants of preeclampsia risk among pregnant women. Materials and Methods: A case-control study design was employed, conducted in several community health centers (Puskesmas) in Maros Regency from June to September 2024. A total of 144 respondents, consisting of 36 cases and 108 controls, were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaire interviews. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for preeclampsia. Results: The study findings indicated that age < 20 years and > 40 years (OR = 3.00, P = 0.009), parity (OR = 4.23; 95% CI: 1.86–9.89; P = 0.000), history of preeclampsia (OR = 7.33, P = 0.000), low motivation to attend antenatal care (ANC) (OR = 2.80, P = 0.020), and low health literacy (OR = 0.34, P = 0.010) were significant determinants of preeclampsia risk. Conclusion: Health literacy, age, history of preeclampsia, and ANC motivation are crucial factors in the risk of preeclampsia. Interventions aimed at improving health literacy should be implemented to reduce the risk of preeclampsia.

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