Factors associated with excess weight, hypertension and gestational diabetes in northern Brazil in 2021

To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with excess weight, hypertension and diabetes among pregnant women in the northern region of Brazil.

This is a cross-sectional, retrospective study with secondary data conducted with pregnant women living in the northern region of Brazil who took part in the Telephone Survey for Surveillance of Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases. The chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for analysis, as well as the Binomial Logistic Regression model.

A total of 21,652.1 women self-reported being pregnant. The prevalence rates were: 42.4% excess weight, 2.65% hypertension and 9% diabetes. The variables associated with the outcomes were: for overweight, watching television and using a computer/tablet/cell phone for up to 3 hours a day, for hypertension, watching television for 3 hours a day or more and using a computer/tablet/cell phone for more than 6 hours a day, for diabetes, 29 years old, 13 years of schooling, and consumption of more than 4 glasses/cans of soda daily.

The prevalence rates found in this study are similar to those found in other contexts. The unfavorable outcomes are associated with age, years of schooling, dietary habits, and maternal lifestyle.