Relationship between food insecurity and the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension: a prospective cohort study

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is a major cause of maternal and fetal mortality. Various risk factors contribute to this condition. This study aimed to investigate the association between food insecurity and the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension among pregnant women referred to health centers.

In this study, a prospective cohort design was employed. A total of 600 pregnant mothers covered by the Isfahan Health Network were randomly included in the study. Demographic questionnaires, DASS-21, HFIAS, and IPAQ were administered through interviews. Blood pressure data after the 20th week of pregnancy, were collected. Mothers were considered hypertensive patients whose blood pressure was above 140 (systolic) or above 90 (diastolic) or both, for the first time after the 20th week of pregnancy after two measurements. Data analysis was performed using chi-square, independent t, and binary logistic regression tests.

The incidence of PIH was estimated to be 5.2%. The mean age of pregnant mothers was 30.24 ± 5.84 years, and 43% had university education. Food insecurity showed a significant association with PIH, even after controlling for confounding variables (P < 0.05). Additionally, an increase in pre-pregnancy BMI was associated with increased risk of PIH (OR_A = 1.16, CI_95%: 1.07-1.25). Larger household size increased the likelihood of hypertension by 51%, while having more than two pregnancies reduced the risk by 30%.

The Incidence of high blood pressure during pregnancy and its association with food insecurity and pre-pregnancy BMI emphasizes the need for interventions to improve food security in pregnant women and control pre-pregnancy BMI, ultimately preventing pregnancy related complications.