Abstract
Background: Existing reviews of pre-eclampsia determinants have
focused on clinical and genetic risk factors. Objective: To
evaluate social determinants for pre-eclampsia prevention.
Search strategy: Systematic searches were conducted on relevant
electronic databases to 31 st July 2023.
Selection criteria: Reviews and large cohort studies (≥1,000
participants), published within the last 10 years, reporting
quantitative associations between social determinant exposures and
pre-eclampsia outcomes. Data collection and analysis: Titles
and abstracts and then relevant full-texts were reviewed by two
reviewers, independently. Strength of association was evaluated as
‘definite’ (odds ratios [OR] or relative risk [RR] ≥3.00 or
<0.33), ‘probable’ (OR or RR 1.50-2.99 or 0.33-0.67),
‘possible’ (OR or RR 1.10-1.49 or 0.68-0.89), or ‘unlikely’ (OR or RR
0.90 - 1.09). Quality of the evidence was high, moderate, low, or
very-low, using GRADE. Main results: Twenty-six publications
found 22 associations of pre-eclampsia with socioeconomic status, social
support/exclusion, healthcare access, and occupational and physical
environmental factors. One association (polygamy) was definite
(low-quality evidence). Probable associations included: work stress and
lack of antenatal care (high-quality evidence); prolonged occupational
exposure to whole body vibrations or bending, elevated temperatures
beyond seasonal norms, and UV-B radiation exposure (protective factor),
all based on moderate-quality evidence; and Asian/Oceanian origins
(protective, low-quality evidence). There were 11 possible associations,
which did not include education. Conclusion: Our findings
support recommendations to address climate change, strengthen
occupational protection, and promote early ANC attendance. Social
determinants may be indicative of upstream factors (e.g., obesity) that
increase likelihood of clinical risk factors for pre-eclampsia incidence
and severity.