Is there any effect of demographic features on development of hyperemesis gravidarum in the Turkish population?

Authors: ZEYNEP KAMALAK, NERMİN KÖŞÜŞ, AYDIN KÖŞÜŞ, DENİZ HIZLI, AYLİN AYRIM, GONCA KURT

Abstract: To assess the effect of maternal demographic variables on development of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) in pregnant Turkish women. Materials and methods: Two hundred consecutive women with HG were defined as the study group, and 200 consecutive pregnant women without any signs or symptoms of HG matched for age, parity, and gestational age were defined as the control group. Personal information, including lifestyle, educational level, occupation, and economic status were obtained via questionnaire. Results: The number of abortions was higher but parity was lower in the HG group. The time interval between 2 pregnancies was significantly shorter in the HG group than in the control group. HG developed in all women who had HG in a previous pregnancy. HG was significantly higher in women who graduated from high school or university. Level of monthly income and communication within the family have an effect on development of HG. Logistic regression analysis showed that the most important parameters for prediction of HG were education level, age at marriage, and previous history of abortus. Conclusion: Living conditions, life standards, communication, and experiences in previous pregnancies might affect development of HG.

Keywords: Hyperemesis, pregnancy, demographic features, communication

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