Socioeconomic and Demographic Disparities in the Severity of Perinatal Outcomes Among Pre-eclamptic Women: A Prospective Analysis

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54536/ajs.v1i1.6615

Keywords:

Health Disparities, Perinatal Outcome, Preeclampsia, Rural Health, Social Determinants Health

Abstract

Preeclampsia is a global health burden, but its impact is not uniformly distributed. Socioeconomic and demographic factors may significantly influence disease severity and perinatal outcomes. To investigate the association between maternal age, education level, place of residence, and the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes in a cohort of pre-eclamptic women. A prospective analysis of 272 pre-eclamptic women was conducted. Patients were stratified by age (18-30 vs. 31-40 years), education level (Illiterate/Primary vs. Middle/≥Matric), and residence (Rural vs. Urban). Primary outcomes included severe preeclampsia, low birth weight (LBW), NICU admission, and early neonatal death. Multivariable analysis was used to identify independent risk factors.  The study was carried out in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration Principles. Women from rural areas had a significantly higher risk of early neonatal death (14.8% vs. 6.5%; Adjusted OR=2.51, 95% CI 1.12-5.61) and severe preeclampsia. Lower educational attainment (Illiterate/Primary) was a strong independent predictor of LBW (42.3% vs. 19.8%; Adjusted OR=2.98, 95% CI 1.65-5.39) and NICU admission. Maternal age over 30 was associated with a higher risk of progression to severe preeclampsia. Significant socioeconomic and demographic disparities exist in the severity of perinatal outcomes among pre-eclamptic women. Interventions aimed at improving access to prenatal care and health education for women in rural areas and with lower educational attainment are crucial to mitigating the disproportionate burden of adverse outcomes in these populations.

Author Biography

  • Aqsa Akram, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan

    My name is Dr. Aqsa Akram, and I am a triple-board–certified Obstetrician and Gynaecologist (MRCOG-UK, FACOG-USA, FCPS-Pakistan) with a strong academic foundation built on 14 Gold Medals during my MBBS and more than five years of progressive clinical experience. I currently serve as a Senior Registrar in Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Fatima Memorial Teaching Hospital, Lahore, where I lead high-risk obstetric care, advanced gynaecological procedures, and labour ward operations.
    Throughout my career, I have been deeply committed to delivering evidence-based, compassionate, and safe women’s healthcare. I have managed thousands of obstetric cases, supervised junior clinicians, and played a central role in improving labour ward protocols—contributing to reductions in severe maternal morbidity, unnecessary primary Caesarean sections, and delays in emergency surgical response times. My clinical experience ranges from complex obstetric emergencies to minimally invasive gynaecological surgery, including laparoscopic cystectomy, ectopic pregnancy management, hysterectomy, and urogynaecological procedures.
    I have always believed that a strong clinician must also be a lifelong learner. With this philosophy, I have completed more than 150 international courses, 300+ CME hours, and specialized training from leading global institutions including RCOG (UK), ACOG (USA), Stanford University, Brown University, the University of Tasmania, and the United Nations. This extensive exposure has strengthened my understanding of international standards in maternal safety, surgical excellence, and patient-centred care.
    Research and academic development hold a central place in my professional identity. I am the single author of multiple published research articles in international journals, covering themes such as maternal mental health, pre-eclampsia biomarkers, AI-based adnexal mass triage, neuro-inflammation in endometriosis, and tele-CBT for tokophobia. I have presented my work at national and international conferences and continue to expand my contributions in perinatal outcomes, maternal morbidity, and innovative models of women’s healthcare.
    I am passionate about teaching, mentoring, and shaping the next generation of clinicians. Over the years, I have supervised more than 50 postgraduate trainees and house officers, conducted weekly academic sessions, organized mock examinations, and contributed to curriculum-aligned training modules. I believe in building teams that are not only clinically sound but also empathetic and patient-centred.

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AJS, E-Palli publishers

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Published

2026-06-12

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2026): American Journal of Surgery

Section

Research Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Aqsa Akram (Author)

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Akram, A. . (2026). Socioeconomic and Demographic Disparities in the Severity of Perinatal Outcomes Among Pre-eclamptic Women: A Prospective Analysis. American Journal of Surgery, 1(1), 11-13. https://doi.org/10.54536/ajs.v1i1.6615