Department of Health Studies, University of South Africa, 0003, South Africa
Modiba, L.M., Department of Health Studies, University of South Africa, 0003, South Africa
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the care and outcomes given to pre-eclamptic patients treated in a public hospital in South Africa. Findings: The age distribution of patients in this study is similar to other reports and suggests that pre-eclampsia is probably a disease of young women. Most of pre-eclamptic is probably a disease of young women. Most of the women in the study were less than 21 years old (51.4%). Also, the primigravida were more likely to develop eclampsia compared to the multigravida (p value 0.05; RR = 1.45). Discussions: Although pre-eclampsia is not preventable, deaths and morbidity from this disease can be prevented thorough early detection, careful monitoring and treatment of the disorder. Therefore, in order to decrease pre-eclampsia related mortality and morbidity appropriate prenatal care must be available to all women irrespective of their social and financial background. Pre-eclampsia is also a unique syndrome of pregnancy that is potentially dangerous for both mother and fetus; close supervision and timely delivery should be provided to all pre-eclamptic women. Conclusion: Preeclampsia remains a continuing problem in developing countries. The incidence of pre-eclampsia at this institution is one of the highest in the world. The major avoidable contributing is lack of or absence of antenatal care. In South Africa like other countries there is shortage of staff due to brain drain, leading to long waiting of patients before being seen by doctors or midwives.