Diets Rich in Vegetables and Physical Activity Are Associated With A Decreased Risk of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension among Rural Women from Kimpese, DR Congo

Abstract

Background: To assess whether the frequency pf pregnancy-induced hypertension is low, and vegetables intake and physical activity are protective against
pregnancy-induced hypertension onset among rural women from Democratic republic of Congo. Method: This hospital-based and longitudinal study was carried out within the rural hospital of Kimpese, DR Congo were monitored from January 1st to March 31st 2003 on
basis of demographic, diet, physical activity, anthropometry, and blood pressure till the onset of types of pregnancy-induced hypertension and delivery. Results: Out of 238 black pregnants, the incidence risk of arterial hypertension was 4.6% (n=11) whose 2.9% with
Pre-Eclampsia and 1.7% with transient hypertension. Gestity, parity and birth weight of infants were significantly lower among hypertensive mothers, while positive family
history and presence of oedemas were more elevated among hypertensive pregnants. The onset of Pre Eclampsia was higher within vendors and inactive women as well as among vegetarians (3.1%) than women with diet high in meat (9.7%). Pre Eclampsia occurred more (p<0.05) among pregnants with rare daily servings of vegetables (33.3%) than pregnants with 3 or more daily servings of vegetables (3.7%). Physical activity (RR=0.63 CI95% 0.33 to 0.94) and = 3 daily servings of vegetables (RR=8.8 CI95% 0.6 to 0.98) were significant (p<0.01) protective factors against Pre Eclampsia. Eclampsia was not observed. Conclusion: It is timely to promote diet rich in vegetables overweight reduction and physical activity among pregnants for the prevention of pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Keywords: Pregnancy-induced hypertension, diet high in vegetables, physical activity.

Nigerian Journal of Medicine Vol. 17 (3) 2008: pp. 265-269