Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Dietary Patterns among Mothers of Children with Congenital Heart Disease

Abstract

Objectives: The present study aimed to gather and analyze data on cardiovascular risk factors and dietary patterns among biological mothers of pediatric patients receiving treatment for congenital heart disease (CHD). Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on September 29, 2023, in conjunction with World Heart Day activities at the Pediatric Cardiology Department of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Karachi, Pakistan. Results: A total of 104 mothers of children with CHD participated. The majority (56.7%) were housewives, with a mean age of 34.1 ± 10.8 years. Notably, 34.6% of participants had no formal education, while only 18.3% were graduates or post-graduates. A family history of heart disease was reported by 20.2% of participants, and consanguineous marriages were prevalent, with 61.5% of participants married to cousins. Dietary patterns revealed chapatti as the most frequently consumed food (95.2% at least once weekly), followed by vegetables (81.7%), lentils/dal (66.3%), rice (59.6%), and chicken (58.7%). Fruit consumption was relatively low, with only 48.1% reporting intake at least once a week. Conclusions: This study highlights the complex interplay of socio-demographic, educational, genetic, and dietary factors influencing the health and well-being of mothers of children with CHD in Karachi, Pakistan. Addressing these determinants through culturally appropriate and socio-economically feasible interventions could improve maternal health outcomes and enhance caregiving capacity.