Document Type
Article
DOI
10.71071/JAM/v12i1.1.16
Abstract
Aims and Background: Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) have significant impact on both mothers and newborns leading to complications such as Eclampsia, Preterm delivery, Renal and cardiac problems, Intra Uterine Growth Retardation (IUGR) and Intra Uterine Fetal Death (IUFD). Early screening of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy is essential in the prevention and management of these complications. This research study aims to develop and validate a risk assessment tool for hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.
Materials and methods: A mixed-method research was carried out from December 2023 to December 2024 consisting of two steps. Step one involved the development of the risk assessment tool by (a) systematic literature review to acquire the theoretical background; (b) qualitative study to develop tool's items, to ensure logical and structural validity; and (c) quantitative study to conduct a pilot study to assess construct validity and reliability measured by Cronbach’s alpha. A cross-sectional study tested the developed tool in step two. A survey among 20 pregnant women was undertaken to construct the tool initially and the developed tool was further validated by 370 nurse midwives from various health sectors.
Results: Exploratory factor analysis was performed to validate the tool and to establish the risk factors. The entire questionnaire had a Cronbach's alpha of 0.914, which indicates extremely strong item reliability. The four factors had Cronbach's alpha coefficients > 0.7, which specifies acceptable reliability, these factors were: Maternal health risk (10 items), Biophysical risk (10 items), Gestational risk (5 items), and Nutritional risk (7 items). Hence beta Coefficients connecting the factors and the respective questions were > 0.71.
Conclusion: The developed tool will be used to identify women at risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy there by preventing the maternal and fetal complications. Clinical significance: Early detection and management will improve the maternal and fetal outcome.
Recommended Citation
K, V, Sharmil, H, & Kandasamy, V. Development and validation of risk assessment tools for hypertensive disorder in pregnancy. Journal of Asian Midwives. 2025;12(1):97–112.
