Socio-demographic profiles and obstetrics outcomes of pregnant women with epilepsy in a vulnerability State, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction The socio-demographic profile of pregnant women in low- and middle- income countries is characterized by low educational attainment and unemployment, leading to social and economic morbidity. characterized by limited opportunities for education, employment, and marriage, which are strongly related to the stigmatization of the disease. The study of the socio- profile and obstetric outcomes of pregnant women with epilepsy in Alagoas, Brazil, may help understand this scenario and facilitate the development of public policy strategies to reduce local morbidity. Objectives We aimed to describe the sociodemographic profile of pregnant women with epilepsy and obstetric outcomes in Alagoas, Brazil. Methods This cohort study was based on medical records of pregnant women with epilepsy in Brazilian high-risk maternity hospitals from 2008 to 2020. The following data were collected: age, race, education, marital status, occupation, number of pregnancies, delivery, and abortion. The inclusion criteria were pregnant women with and without epilepsy (control group) aged < 40 years. Results The prevalence of PWWE was 0.49% (n = 224/44,917). Cesarean delivery was more frequent in PWWE than in pregnant women without epilepsy (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 22.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 14.35–33.73; p<0,01). Abortion was associated with PWWE (OR adjusted = 1.72; 95% CI = 1.13–2.61; p = 0.01). Pregnant women in the countryside were more likely to develop epilepsy than those born in the capital (OR = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.12–2.14; p <0.01). Conclusion The PWWE socio-demographic profile of the Alagoas had a predominance of brown- colored skin, single status, homemakers, and illiteracy with a high proportion residing in the interior of the state. The obstetrics data show a higher incidence of cesarean deliveries and miscarriages.