Evaluation of obstetric outcomes for women in commuter versus non-commuter marriages: A comparative study
Loading...
Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Objectives The study aims to determine obstetric outcomes for women in commuter marriages (CoMs) compared to women in non-CoMs, as well as the influence of living-in-companions on the obstetric outcomes. Methods A prospective, multicentre, comparative study was conducted among antenatal clinic attendees in CoMs (160 women) and non-CoMs (160 women). Following consent, participants were recruited and monitored from antenatal booking until six weeks postpartum. The primary outcome measure was the obstetric outcomes (miscarriages, antenatal illness-associated hospital admissions, gestational ages at delivery, pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, and birth weights), while the secondary outcome measure was the influence of living-in-companions on the obstetric outcomes, which was measured by comparing the outcomes in women with those without living-in-companions. Data analysis was conducted using chi-square and t-tests, as applicable; a p < 0.05 was significant. Results The commuting partners were males in the majority (n = 151; 94.4%), due to work-transfer (n = 76; 47.5%) or new employment (n = 60; 37.5%). There was a statistically significant association between CoM and delay before index pregnancy (n = 27 vs. 15; p = 0.047), higher mean gestational age at booking (22.2 ± 7.70 years vs. 19.9 ± 6.93 years; p = 0.005), higher antenatal illness-associated hospital admission (n = 39 vs. 19; p = 0.004), preterm delivery (33.8% vs. 6.9%; p = 0.001), and low birth weight (16.3% vs. 5.0%; p = 0.001). The mean gestational age at delivery (35.1 ± 2.53 years vs. 38.0 ± 2.38 years, p = 0.001) and birth weight (2445 ± 749 vs. 3146 ± 1646 g, p = 0.043) were lower and statistically significant among women in CoMs without than among those with living-in-companions. Conclusion CoM was associated with adverse obstetric outcomes; however, living-in-companions appeared to ameliorate these adverse outcomes.
Description
Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences
Keywords
Commuter marriage, Marriage, Obstetric effect, Pregnancy complications, Pregnancy outcome, Unmet needs
Citation
10.1016/j.jtumed.2021.12.017