Association between maternal age and primigravida status with preeclampsia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Preeclampsia remains a major contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries. Maternal age and primigravida status are among the most reported risk factors, yet local evidence from specific settings, such as Buleleng, Bali, remains limited. This study aims to determine the association between maternal age and primigravida status with the incidence of preeclampsia at Buleleng Regional Hospital during 2020–2023. This study employed an analytic observational design with a cross-sectional approach using secondary data from medical records at Buleleng Regional Hospital from 2020 to 2023. A total of 134 pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria were selected using purposive sampling. The independent variables were maternal age and primigravida status, while the dependent variable was the incidence of preeclampsia. Data were analyzed descriptively, and the association between variables was assessed using bivariate (Chi-square) and multivariate (logistic regression) analyses. The majority of pregnant women are in the non-risk maternal age group, and a slightly higher proportion are multigravida. Preeclampsia was observed in half of the study population. Maternal age was significantly associated with preeclampsia, with women in the high-risk age group more likely to develop the condition (p = 0.002; OR = 4.116). Primigravida status was also significantly associated with preeclampsia (p = 0.003; OR = 3.368), and both variables remained significant predictors in the multivariate analysis. Maternal age and primigravida status are important factors associated with the incidence of preeclampsia. Early identification and targeted monitoring of high-risk pregnancies are essential to reduce maternal complications.