severe covid-19 and its related factors in pregnant women: a multi-center cross‐sectional study

Background & aims: pregnant women are at a higher risk of contracting covid-19 due to their weakened immune systems. there are various related factors for severe covid-19 in pregnant women. this study aimed to assess the severe covid-19 rate and its associated factors among iranian pregnant women. materials & methods: in this multi-center cross-sectional study from 21 march 2020-21 march 2021, all pregnant women (n=488) with covid-19 who were admitted to healthcare centers in three counties (mahabad, miandoab, bukan) in iran were enrolled. patients were categorized into two groups; hospitalized (severe covid-19) and non-hospitalized. data were collected through medical records using a researcher-made questionnaire. statistical analysis was performed using multivariate logistic regression.results: the mean age of pregnant women was 29.8±6.37 years and 19.9% were hospitalized(n=89). the covid-19 hospitalization in pregnant women was significantly associated with fever (temperature ≥38 c) [aor = 3.59, (95%ci; 2.08-6.17)], shortness of breath [aor = 2.12, (95%ci; 1.24-3.61)], diagnosis of covid-19 in the second trimester [aor = 4.48, 95%ci; 1.48-13.58)], residence in the urban area [aor = 0.45, (95%ci; 0.24-0.84)], and diploma and more education level [aor = 0.58, (95%ci; 0.33-0.98)]. conclusion: urban residency and higher education level were protective factors. fever, shortness of breath, and diagnosis of covid-19 in the second trimester of pregnancy were related factors for hospitalization. early diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for pregnant women with positive covid-19 tests are essential in disease control. a longitudinal study with appropriate follow-up time to identify factors related to severe covid-19 among pregnant women is needed.

severe covid-19 and its related factors in pregnant women: a multi-center cross‐sectional study

background & aims: pregnant women are at a higher risk of contracting covid-19 due to their weakened immune systems. there are various related factors for severe covid-19 in pregnant women. this study aimed to assess the severe covid-19 rate and its associated factors among iranian pregnant women. materials & methods: in this multi-center cross-sectional study from 21 march 2020-21 march 2021, all pregnant women (n=488) with covid-19 who were admitted to healthcare centers in three counties (mahabad, miandoab, bukan) in iran were enrolled. patients were categorized into two groups; hospitalized (severe covid-19) and non-hospitalized. data were collected through medical records using a researcher-made questionnaire. statistical analysis was performed using multivariate logistic regression.results: the mean age of pregnant women was 29.8±6.37 years and 19.9% were hospitalized(n=89). the covid-19 hospitalization in pregnant women was significantly associated with fever (temperature ≥38 c) [aor = 3.59, (95%ci; 2.08-6.17)], shortness of breath [aor = 2.12, (95%ci; 1.24-3.61)], diagnosis of covid-19 in the second trimester [aor = 4.48, 95%ci; 1.48-13.58)], residence in the urban area [aor = 0.45, (95%ci; 0.24-0.84)], and diploma and more education level [aor = 0.58, (95%ci; 0.33-0.98)]. conclusion: urban residency and higher education level were protective factors. fever, shortness of breath, and diagnosis of covid-19 in the second trimester of pregnancy were related factors for hospitalization. early diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for pregnant women with positive covid-19 tests are essential in disease control. a longitudinal study with appropriate follow-up time to identify factors related to severe covid-19 among pregnant women is needed.