Risk factors associated with overweight and obesity in pregnant women attending a health facility in Tacna

Abstract

Objective: To determine risk factors associated with overweight and obesity in pregnant women treated at a health facility in Tacna.
Material and methods: A prospective, crosssectional, observational, and relational study was conducted in 70 pregnant women with a singleton pregnancy diagnosed with overweight or obesity, treated at the 5 de Noviembre Health Post in Tacna during 2023, with no obstetric complications or recurrent or metabolic diseases. Patients under 18 years of age were excluded. After informed consent, a questionnaire was administered with sociodemographic variables and lifestyle factors, and body mass index (BMI) was assessed. Data were analyzed using Spearman's correlation, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The majority of pregnant women were overweight (62.9%), followed by moderate (30.0%) and severe (7.1%) obesity. Women aged 28 to 45 years predominated (52.9%), with asecondary education level (35.7%), and cohabiting status (60.0%). The analysis showed positive and significant correlations between BMI and educational level (rho=0.318; p=0.007), paid employment (rho=0.352; p=0.003), and household income (rho=0.278; p=0.020). No significant associations were found with age, marital status, residence, dietary habits, or physical activity (p>0.05), although positive trends were observed with carbohydrate consumption (rho=0.223; p=0.064) and physical activity (rho=0.230; p=0.055). Conclusion: Overweight and obesity in pregnant women treated at primary care are primarily influenced by socioeconomic factors, highlighting the need for comprehensive interventions that include nutritional education, promotion of healthy behaviors, and consideration of social determinants in the health field.