Abstract
This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of gestational hypertension (GH) and its association with dietary patterns among 240 pregnant women (≥20 weeks of gestation) at the Federal Medical Center, Keffi. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, a food frequency questionnaire, and blood pressure measurements.
This study found the prevalence of gestational hypertension to be 55 (22.9 %). The general dietary pattern was characterized by moderate to high consumption of cereals, meat, and oils, but low consumption of dairy, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. Significant associations (p<0.05) were found between gestational hypertension and high consumption of beef, confectionery, dairy products, cereals, candies/chocolate, dairy products, and beverages/soft drinks. A moderate intake of roots and tubers was also associated with hypertension. Comparing the significant diet with hypertension, OR (95 % CI) shows 3.94 (1.95 - 8.10), 2.09 (0.89-4.95), 13.05 (4.25 - 40.11), 2.38 (1.05 – 5.43), 2.95 (1.30 – 6.67), 8.75 (1.71 – 44.72) and 3.25 (1.27 – 8.29) for high consumption of beef, fat and oil, confectioneries, cereals, candies and chocolate, dairies and beverages/soft drink respectively and low consumption of roots and tubers as 0.41 (0.22 – 0.75).
The study concludes that GH is significantly associated with diets high in beef, processed foods, and sugary items. To mitigate risk, the consumption of fish, legumes, poultry, fruits, and vegetables should be encouraged, and nutrition education should be integrated into routine antenatal care
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