Maternal Age and Hypertension History Raise Pregnancy Risks in Kendari, Study Finds
Hypertension during pregnancy continues to threaten maternal health in Indonesia, and new research from Southeast Sulawesi highlights two major risk factors that deserve urgent attention: maternal age and a previous history of hypertension. Researchers from the Bachelor of Midwifery Study Program at Pelita Ibu Health Sciences College in Kendari found that pregnant women under 20 years old, over 35 years old, or with a history of hypertension face a significantly greater risk of chronic hypertension during pregnancy.
The study, conducted by Ano Luthfa, Ririt Yuliarti Taha, Harni, and Siti Hasma, was published in 2026 in the International Journal of Contemporary Sciences. The findings are especially relevant as Indonesia continues working to reduce maternal mortality rates linked to pregnancy complications.
Researchers analyzed medical records from Kendari City Regional General Hospital covering pregnancies between 2022 and 2024. The results show that maternal age and prior hypertension are strongly associated with the development of chronic hypertension during pregnancy, a condition that can endanger both mother and baby.
Hypertension Remains a Major Maternal Health Challenge
Pregnancy-related hypertension is one of the leading causes of maternal illness and death worldwide. The condition occurs when a pregnant woman develops blood pressure of at least 140/90 mmHg. If untreated, it can progress into severe complications including preeclampsia, stroke, kidney failure, premature birth, and even maternal or fetal death.
Indonesia continues to face a high maternal mortality burden. National health data cited in the study reported 4,482 maternal deaths in 2023, with hypertension during pregnancy contributing to hundreds of cases. In Kendari City alone, hypertension cases among pregnant women rose sharply in 2024, reaching nearly 24 percent of all pregnancies recorded by the local health office.
At Kendari City Regional General Hospital, the proportion of pregnant women diagnosed with hypertension also increased significantly. Researchers noted that this upward trend makes early detection and prevention strategies increasingly important for healthcare providers and policymakers.
How the Research Was Conducted
The research used a quantitative cross-sectional design. The team reviewed secondary data from hospital medical records collected in May 2025. A total of 132 pregnant women diagnosed with hypertension were included in the analysis.
Participants were grouped according to:
- Maternal age category
- Previous history of hypertension
- Type of hypertension experienced during pregnancy
Women under 20 years old or over 35 years old were categorized as high-risk age groups. Researchers then compared whether patients experienced chronic hypertension or gestational hypertension during pregnancy.
Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-Square method to determine whether significant relationships existed between the identified risk factors and pregnancy-related hypertension outcomes.
High-Risk Maternal Age Linked to Chronic Hypertension
One of the clearest findings involved maternal age.
Among the 132 participants:
- 53.8 percent were in the high-risk age category
- 46.2 percent were between 20 and 35 years old
The study found that women in the high-risk age group were far more likely to experience chronic hypertension during pregnancy.
Key findings included:
- 66.2 percent of high-risk age mothers experienced chronic hypertension
- Only 33.8 percent of women aged 20–35 experienced chronic hypertension
- Statistical analysis showed a significant relationship with a p-value of 0.002
Researchers explained that younger mothers may face biological and hormonal immaturity, while older mothers often experience vascular degeneration, reduced arterial elasticity, and higher rates of metabolic disorders such as diabetes or kidney disease.
The study emphasized that the safest reproductive age remains between 20 and 35 years, when the body is generally better prepared to manage the cardiovascular demands of pregnancy.
Previous Hypertension Greatly Increases Pregnancy Risk
A history of hypertension also emerged as a significant predictor.
Among respondents:
- 52.3 percent had a previous history of hypertension
- 47.7 percent had no previous hypertension history
Women with prior hypertension were substantially more likely to develop chronic hypertension during pregnancy.
The data showed:
- 60.8 percent of women with prior hypertension developed chronic hypertension
- 39.2 percent of women without hypertension history experienced chronic hypertension
- Statistical testing produced a significant p-value of 0.035
The researchers explained that pre-existing hypertension can disrupt placental blood flow and damage blood vessels before pregnancy even begins. This condition can worsen during pregnancy because the cardiovascular system fails to adapt normally to pregnancy-related physiological changes.
According to the authors, women with hypertension history should receive enhanced antenatal monitoring, including regular blood pressure checks, urine testing, and consultation with specialists when needed.
Implications for Maternal Healthcare
The findings have practical implications for midwives, hospitals, and public health officials in Indonesia.
The researchers recommend:
- Early screening for maternal age and hypertension history during antenatal visits
- More intensive blood pressure monitoring for high-risk mothers
- Improved education about pregnancy danger signs
- Preconception counseling for women with chronic hypertension
- Community campaigns promoting healthy pregnancy planning
The study also highlighted the importance of integrating systematic risk assessment into antenatal care protocols throughout Kendari and other Indonesian regions facing similar maternal health challenges.
In an ethical paraphrase of the study’s conclusions, the research team from Pelita Ibu Health Sciences College emphasized that identifying maternal age risks and hypertension history early in pregnancy can help healthcare providers prevent severe complications and improve maternal outcomes.
Limitations and Future Research
The researchers acknowledged several limitations. The study focused only on women with multiple pregnancies and relied on existing hospital records. Other contributing factors such as obesity, stress, nutrition, and family history were not fully examined.
Future studies with larger and more diverse populations may provide broader insights into the causes of hypertension during pregnancy across Indonesia.
Still, the findings add important evidence supporting stronger maternal screening systems and preventive healthcare strategies, especially in regions where maternal mortality remains high.
Author Profiles
- Ano Luthfa, S.Tr.Keb: Researcher and midwifery scholar at Pelita Ibu Health Sciences College specializing in maternal and reproductive health.
- Ririt Yuliarti Taha, M.Keb: Lecturer and researcher at Pelita Ibu Health Sciences College with expertise in maternal healthcare and midwifery practice.
- Harni, M.Keb: Academic researcher in maternal and child health at Pelita Ibu Health Sciences College.
- Siti Hasma, M.Keb: Midwifery educator and maternal health researcher focusing on pregnancy risk management.
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