Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Komunitas
Vol 11, No 3: Agustus 2026

Urban Environmental Exposures, Air Pollution, and Maternal–Offspring Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Siti Mardhatillah Musa (Doctoral Study Program in Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, University of Muhammadiyah Jakarta, Indonesia)
Muhammad Fachri (Faculty of Public Health, University of Muhammadiyah Jakarta, Indonesia)
Nurmalia Lusida (Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Muhammadiyah Jakarta, Indonesia)
Ika Oktaviani (Midwifery Study Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Muhammadiyah Tangerang, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
12 Aug 2026

Abstract

Background: Urban ambient air pollution and various co-occurring environmental stressors during pregnancy contribute to systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and impaired placental perfusion, thereby increasing the risk of adverse maternal and child health outcomes. Therefore, this study aims to systematically synthesize the evidence on the associations between ambient air pollution and co-occurring urban environmental exposures and pregnancy complications affecting maternal and child health, based on the available evidence.Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines and a defined PECO framework, comprehensive searches were executed on Scopus and ScienceDirect (April 23, 2026; updated May 06, 2026) for literature published between 2022 and 2025. Of 3,547 records identified, 20 articles met the inclusion criteria, comprising 16 empirical observational studies and 4 supporting conceptual articles. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and JBI critical appraisal tools.Results: Moderate-certainty evidence indicated that exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 during the preconception and early-to-mid pregnancy periods increased the risks of gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, low birth weight, and preterm birth. Multi-pollutant models consistently provided stronger risk estimates than single-pollutant models. Evidence linking air pollution with gestational hypothyroidism, postpartum mental distress, and offspring neurodevelopmental outcomes remained limited and heterogeneous.Conclusion: Ambient air pollution and related urban environmental exposures are important determinants of maternal and child health. Integrating environmental exposure assessment into antenatal care and strengthening urban emission reduction policies are essential to reduce pregnancy-related health risks.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jekk

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Public Health

Description

Jurnal Epidemiologi Kesehatan Komunitas (e-ISSN:2615-4854) provides publication of full-length papers, short communication and review articles describing of new finding or theory in epidemiology, health and life science and related areas. JEKK has 1 volume with 2 issues per year. This journal was ...