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Working conditions and prevalence of pre‐eclampsia, Norway 1989
Author(s) -
Wergeland E.,
Strand K.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/s0020-7292(97)00083-0
Subject(s) - medicine , eclampsia , odds ratio , pregnancy , obstetrics , gestational hypertension , proteinuria , cross sectional study , prenatal care , pediatrics , preeclampsia , population , environmental health , genetics , pathology , biology , kidney
Objective: To study the associations between working conditions and pre‐eclampsia. Methods: A cross‐sectional study based on questionnaires to all parturients was conducted in Norway from 16 October 1989 to 26 November 1989, with an 87.2% response rate. Of the 5388 responders with singleton pregnancies, 3321 continued in paid work beyond the 3rd month of pregnancy. Pre‐eclampsia was recorded if the woman reported hospitalization for hypertension, or if proteinuria and hypertension were diagnosed more than once in the pregnancy. Results: The prevalence of pre‐eclampsia was increased in work involving the lifting of heavy loads of 10–20 kg (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2–2.5), hectic work pace (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.0–2.0, P < 0.05), work with hands above shoulder level (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.0–2.2; P = 0.07) and for parous women, shift work (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1–3.6). It was reduced when the woman had an influence on work pace (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5–1.0; P = 0.07). Prevalence was also increased with daily consumption of more than four cups of coffee (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1–2.3). Conclusion: Prenatal care should include assessment of working conditions, as early improvements may reduce the risk of pre‐eclampsia.