Risk Factors of Congenital Heart Disease in Children at the West Bank: Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are known as congenital heart defects or anomalies. It refers to structural defects in the heart or major vessels present at birth. CHD is the most prevalent type of birth defect worldwide. The etiology of CHD is complex and multifactorial, involving both genetic and environmental factors. Understating these risk factors is essential for prenatal diagnosis, primary prevention, and decreasing preventable new cases.

Aim of Study: This study aimed to assess the most common CHDs and the maternal associated factors in the West Bank, Palestine.

Method: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted at three major hospitals in the West Bank between August and November 2021 that treat congenital heart diseases (CHDs); Al-Makased Islamic Hospital, Palestine Medical Complex Hospital, and Arab Women Union Society-Nablus. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire.

Result: Data analysis of 108 cases revealed that the most common CHD is atrial septal defect (ASD), accounting for 25.9% of cases.  Most mothers were between 20-30 years (52.8%). Among the children, 57 (52.8%) were male. Most children were born between 36-38 weeks of gestation age (34.3%) and had a normal birth weight (54.6%). In addition, 58.3% of families did not have a history of CHD among relatives.  There is a significant association was found between CHD diagnosis and Birth weight, a family history of CHD, maternal BMI, periconceptional smoking, and commitment to folic acid intake.

Conclusion: The findings of this study underscore the need for enhanced health policies that prioritize premarital and prenatal counseling, along with proper management of maternal health conditions. Increasing awareness among women of reproductive age about key risk factors; such as family history of CHD, maternal BMI, smoking, and folic acid intake, that they can play a critical role in reducing the incidence of CHD in newborns. Effective preventive strategies and targeted education are vital to mitigating the risk factors associated with congenital heart disease in the West Bank.

Keywords: Congenital Heart Defect, Risk Factor, Epidemiology of Congenital Heart Defects, Maternal Risk factor.

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/15-12-09

Publication date: December 30th 2024