A Scoping Review of Risk Factors of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy in Black Women Living in High-Income Countries: An Intersectional Approach

Abstract

Background Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are maternity-related increases in blood pressure (eg, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia). Compared with women of other races in high-income countries, Black women have a comparatively higher risk of an HDP. Intersectionality helps to provide a deeper understanding of the multifactorial identities that affect health outcomes in this high-risk population. Objective In this review, we sought to explore the literature on HDP risk factors in Black women living in high-income countries and to assess the interaction of these risk factors using the conceptual framework of intersectionality. Methods We conducted this review using the Arksey and O'Malley methodology with enhancements from Levac and colleagues. Published articles in English on HDP risk factors with a sample of not less than 10% of Black women in high-income countries were included. Six databases, theses, and dissertations were searched from January 2000 to July 2021. A thematic analysis was used to summarize the results. Results A final total of 36 studies were included from the 15 480 studies retrieved; 4 key themes of HDP risks were identified: (1) biological; (2) individual traditional; (3) race and ethnicity, geographical location, and immigration status; and (4) gender related. These intersectional HDP risk factors intersect to increase the risk of HDP among Black women living in high-income countries. Conclusion Upstream approaches are recommended to lower the risks of HDP in this population.