When Social Conditions Shape Children’s Hearts: New Evidence from Afghanistan

At the International Conference on Cardiology and Cardiovascular Science 2026, a compelling oral presentation by Dr. Abdul Wahed Sidiqi of Kabul University of Medical Sciences brings forward rare and valuable data on congenital heart disease (CHD) from Afghanistan—a region where evidence has been historically limited.

This hospital-based study from Kabul demonstrates that childhood heart disease is not driven by biology alone, but is deeply influenced by socioeconomic status, parental health, and maternal nutrition.

Title : Socioeconomic, parental, and nutritional factorsassociated with congenital heart disease in children: Insights from ahospital-based case-control study in Kabul, Afghanistan

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🔑 Key Insights from the Study (In Points)

📊 Study Framework

• Hospital-based case–control design

• Conducted at Ariana Medical Complex, Kabul

• Study duration: February–August 2025

• Participants:

  • 203 children diagnosed with CHD

  • 211 children without CHD

• Data captured using a 109-item structured questionnaire

• Statistical rigor ensured through odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals

🏠 Socioeconomic Determinants

• Parental education emerged as a decisive factor:

  • Children of illiterate parents faced significantly higher CHD risk

• Household income showed a strong inverse relationship with CHD:

  • Lowest-income families experienced the highest burden

• Extended family living arrangements were associated with increased risk, highlighting household-level influences

👨‍👩‍👧 Parental Health & Lifestyle Factors

• Elevated CHD risk linked to:

  • Maternal hypertension prior to conception

  • Underweight paternal status

  • Fathers being unemployed or self-employed before conception

• Reinforces the importance of both maternal and paternal health before pregnancy

🥦 Nutritional Findings During Pregnancy

• Poor maternal nutrition significantly increased CHD risk

• Protective dietary practices included:

  • Folic acid supplementation

  • Calcium and vitamin D intake

  • Higher consumption of fruits and vegetables

• Highlights nutrition as a modifiable and cost-effective preventive strategy

🌍 Broader Public Health Significance

• CHD in Afghan children is strongly associated with preventable and modifiable factors

• Findings support:

  • Strengthening antenatal and preconception care

  • Integrating nutrition programs into maternal health services

  • Aligning healthcare, education, and social welfare policies

• Emphasizes prevention as a realistic solution in resource-limited settings

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👨‍⚕️ About the Presenter

Dr. Abdul Wahed Sidiqi is a pioneering cardiologist in Afghanistan and founder of Ariana Hospital and Ariana Medical Complex. A Fellow of the European Society of Cardiology, he has introduced echocardiography training, BLS, and ACLS programs nationwide and has received international recognition, including the Best Oral Presentation Award (Cardio Hub 2025).

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📅 Conference Snapshot

• Event: International Conference on Cardiology and Cardiovascular Science

• Dates: March 26–28, 2026

• Format: Hybrid (In-Person & Online)

• Venue: Singapore

🔗 Website: https://cardiology.miconferences.com/
📝 Abstract Submission: https://cardiology.miconferences.com/abstract-submission
🎟️ Registration: https://cardiology.miconferences.com/register

#CongenitalHeartDisease #PediatricCardiology #MaternalNutrition #ChildHealth #GlobalHeartHealth
#CardiologyResearch #CardiologyConference #PublicHealthEvidence #HealthcareEquity #CardioScience2026