Factors Associated with Congenital Heart Disease AmongChildren in Baghdad: A Cross-Sectional Study

Mays Qahtan Hameed, Muna Abdulkadhum Zeidan and Hwaida Shakir Mustafa

Abstract

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common congenital anomaly worldwide and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Its etiology is multifactorial, involving genetic, environmental, and socio-demographic determinants. The study aims to determine the factors associated with socio-demographic, familial, and maternal characteristics among children with CHD in Baghdad. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 children diagnosed with CHD across nine hospitals in Baghdad. Infants under one year represented the largest proportion of cases (35.5%), with a slight male predominance (56.0%). Most patients were from urban areas (72.3%), and nearly half belonged to low socioeconomic status families. Parental consanguinity was reported in 51.7% of cases, while a family history of CHD was present in 12.5%. Maternal comorbidities during pregnancy were reported in a minority of cases. No statistically significant associations were found between CHD type and family history, consanguinity, genetic disorders, or maternal chronic diseases (P > 0.05). No statistically significant associations were identified between CHD type and most socio-demographic or familial characteristics. Several socio-demographic and maternal characteristics were frequently observed among children with CHD; however, no significant associations were identified with CHD types. Clinical indicators such as respiratory symptoms and feeding patterns were significantly associated with cyanotic CHD. Strengthening prenatal care, improving maternal health awareness, and promoting timely diagnosis and management are essential to reduce the burden of CHD.