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

Abstract Background 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 re...

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Main Authors: Neda Yaghobieh, Mohammad Javad Tarrahi, Reza Amani
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-03-01
Series:BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07340-6
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author Neda Yaghobieh
Mohammad Javad Tarrahi
Reza Amani
author_facet Neda Yaghobieh
Mohammad Javad Tarrahi
Reza Amani
author_sort Neda Yaghobieh
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background 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. Method 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. Result 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 (ORA = 1.16, CI95%: 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%. Conclusion 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.
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spelling doaj-art-1bdbd22aed384def99a74574847f72ca2025-08-20T03:39:58ZengBMCBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth1471-23932025-03-012511910.1186/s12884-025-07340-6Relationship between food insecurity and the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension: a prospective cohort studyNeda Yaghobieh0Mohammad Javad Tarrahi1Reza Amani2Student Research Committee and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Isfahan University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Associate Professor of Epidemiology Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Professor of Nutritional, Isfahan University of Medical SciencesAbstract Background 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. Method 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. Result 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 (ORA = 1.16, CI95%: 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%. Conclusion 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.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07340-6Food insecurityPregnancy-induced hypertensionPregnant womenIsfahan
spellingShingle Neda Yaghobieh
Mohammad Javad Tarrahi
Reza Amani
Relationship between food insecurity and the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension: a prospective cohort study
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
Food insecurity
Pregnancy-induced hypertension
Pregnant women
Isfahan
title Relationship between food insecurity and the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension: a prospective cohort study
title_full Relationship between food insecurity and the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension: a prospective cohort study
title_fullStr Relationship between food insecurity and the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension: a prospective cohort study
title_full_unstemmed Relationship between food insecurity and the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension: a prospective cohort study
title_short Relationship between food insecurity and the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension: a prospective cohort study
title_sort relationship between food insecurity and the risk of pregnancy induced hypertension a prospective cohort study
topic Food insecurity
Pregnancy-induced hypertension
Pregnant women
Isfahan
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07340-6
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