Estimation of the Global Prevalence of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy and Associated Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, are leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, global estimates of their prevalence and associated health outcomes remain inconsistent due to variations in diagnostic criteria, data collection methods, and reporting practices across regions. Accurate, up-to-date global estimates are essential to inform policy, improve risk stratification, and guide interventions aimed at reducing the burden of HDP. This PhD project will use systematic review and meta-analysis methodologies to generate robust global and regional estimates of: 1. The Prevalence of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: - Systematically reviewing and synthesizing population-based studies reporting the prevalence of HDP, including gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, and chronic hypertension in pregnancy. - Assessing trends over time and variations by geographic region, socioeconomic status, and healthcare setting. 2. Maternal and Newborn Mortality Attributable to Pre-eclampsia and Eclampsia: - Reviewing maternal and newborn mortality data to determine the proportion of maternal deaths directly attributable to pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. - Identifying gaps in surveillance and discrepancies in cause-of-death attribution across different health systems. 3. Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes Associated with HDP: - Quantifying global prevalence of maternal complications such as stroke, organ failure, and HELLP syndrome. - Assessing global prevalence of perinatal outcomes, including preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, stillbirth, and neonatal mortality. This research will follow PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews, with meta-analysis conducted where sufficient data allow. The project will also critically evaluate data quality, study heterogeneity, and gaps in global surveillance, providing recommendations for improving HDP monitoring and reporting. Impact: By generating comprehensive global estimates, this research will contribute to improved maternal health strategies, strengthen advocacy for better HDP management, and support the development of policies to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality due to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.