Arterial Hypertension and Risk Factors among Pregnant Women in a Basic Health Unit

  • Janete Lane Amadei Centro Universitário de Maringá - CESUMAR
  • Caroline Guelfe Merino Centro Universitário Maringá - CESUMAR
Keywords: Hypertension, Pregnancy, Maternal Mortality.

Abstract

This study investigates the prevalence of hypertension and risk factors in pregnant women in a primary health care unit located in the city of Cianorte, Paraná, Brazil. 52 patients were interviewed, with the application of a research instrument in the form of a questionnaire addressing hypertension and risk factors for the development of hypertensive disorders. Results showed no significant differences between the data obtained in the study population (15.38%) and the theoretical framework for hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (10-22%). Regarding risk factors, pregnant women present nulliparity, obesity, family heritage, sedentariness and black race and do not present smoking, advanced maternal age and twin pregnancy. When examining the odds ratio of the occurrence of risk factors in hypertension during pregnancy it is observed that: the risk factor race is 1.6 times higher for blacks compared to white; family heritage is 3.6 times greater for women who report having the illness in the family, 0.07 higher for the consumption of milk and dairy products for calcium supplementation and 0.64 for physical activity. In conclusion, this survey allows a regional estimate of the problem, allowing detection of flaws in the quality of care, guiding interventions in primary care for prevention of hypertension among pregnant women and may serve as support for projects promoting health, improving the quality of life of patients.

Author Biographies

Janete Lane Amadei, Centro Universitário de Maringá - CESUMAR
Docente do Curso de Farmácia e Bioquimica
Caroline Guelfe Merino, Centro Universitário Maringá - CESUMAR
Farmacêutica graduada pelo Centro Universitário de Maringá – CESUMAR. E-mail: carol_guelfe@hotmail.com
Published
2010-02-22
Section
Artigos Originais