Is place of residence an overlooked factor in exposure to high risk pregnancy?

Pamela C. Banda, University of the Witwatersrand

This study examines community factors associated with exposure to high risk pregnancy in Zambia. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was employed to identify community factors associated with exposure to pregnancy related risks using the 2007 ZDHS.Our findings showed that significant variations in exposure to pregnancy related risks exist across communities. Specifically, Zambian women’s likelihood of exposure to pregnancy related risks is a function of where they reside. Rural community had higher odds of exposure to high risk pregnancy compared to urban community (AOR =1.4, 95% CI: 1.2-1.74). Living in communities with a high proportion of educated women (AOR= 0.699, 95% CI: 0.63-1.05) and a high proportion of those who have had a health facility delivery (AOR= 0.844 95% CI: 0.72-1.53) was significantly associated with reduced likelihood of exposure to high risk pregnancy. Interventions should not only be implemented at the individual level but also tailored at the community level .