Background: Hypertension during pregnancy is a leading cause of birthing parent mortality and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Since non-metropolitan communities face higher rates of several risk factors for hypertension in pregnancy and shortages in obstetrical services, persons residing in non-metropolitan areas may be at increased risk for adverse outcomes compared to those living in metropolitan areas. Our study objectives were to examine by county of birthing parent residence (1) the prevalence of chronic hypertension (cHTN) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), and (2) the prevalence of adverse birthing parent and neonatal outcomes associated with hypertension. Methods: Using U.S. birth certificate data from 2016 to 2018, we described the prevalence of cHTN and HDP and the association of each with several birthing parent and neonatal outcomes, stratified by non-metropolitan versus metropolitan county of birthing parent residence. Multivariable Poisson regression models were used to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios for birthing parent and neonatal outcomes among individuals with cHTN or HDP who lived in non-metropolitan versus metropolitan U.S. counties. Results: The prevalence of cHTN and HDP for US live births was 2.2% and 7.4%, respectively, among non-metropolitan pregnant individuals and 1.8% and 6.6%, respectively, among metropolitan pregnant individuals. After adjusting for several sociodemographic characteristics among those with HDP, the prevalence ratio for an APGAR score < 7 at 5 minutes (aPR 1.34, 95% CI 1.29-1.38) and neonatal death (aPR 1.36, 95% CI 1.15-1.62) was increased among offspring born to women who resided in non-metropolitan counties. Similar results were seen among those with cHTN. Conclusion: The prevalence of cHTN and HDP is modestly more prevalent in non-metropolitan areas, but most pregnancy outcomes were similar among those residing in non-metropolitan areas compared to metropolitan areas. Further research should investigate the robustness of these findings using alternate definitions of rural and urban areas and the possible link between low APGAR score, low NICU admission, and neonatal death in non-metropolitan counties.

Abortion and severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia remain the major causes of maternal mortality in Zimbabwe. Based on this problem, factors associated with maternal mortality due to abortion and severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia were investigated to improve pregnancy outcomes. Cases and controls were selected from 4895 abortion and 318 severe preeclampsia/ eclampsia obstetric records to conduct a retrospective case-control study. Significant risk factors identified for reducing maternal mortality due to postabortion complications included the administration of oxytocic drugs and evacuations of the uterus whilst anaemia and sepsis apparently reduced these women's chances of survival. No significant factors could be identified which influenced maternal deaths among women suffering from severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. Magnesium sulphate was not routinely administered, as recommended internationally. In both groups, cases apparently received better reported quantitative care than controls. Recommendations based on this research report include improved midwifery education and in-service training, regular audits of patients' records and changed policies for managing these conditions more effectively in Zimbabwe. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Advanced Nursing Sciences)

Abortion and severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia remain the major causes of maternal mortality in Zimbabwe. Based on this problem, factors associated with maternal mortality due to abortion and severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia were investigated to improve pregnancy outcomes. Cases and controls were selected from 4895 abortion and 318 severe preeclampsia/ eclampsia obstetric records to conduct a retrospective case-control study. Significant risk factors identified for reducing maternal mortality due to postabortion complications included the administration of oxytocic drugs and evacuations of the uterus whilst anaemia and sepsis apparently reduced these women's chances of survival. No significant factors could be identified which influenced maternal deaths among women suffering from severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. Magnesium sulphate was not routinely administered, as recommended internationally. In both groups, cases apparently received better reported quantitative care than controls. Recommendations based on this research report include improved midwifery education and in-service training, regular audits of patients' records and changed policies for managing these conditions more effectively in Zimbabwe. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Advanced Nursing Sciences)