title: High blood pressure and associated risk factors among women attending antenatal clinics in Tanzania.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Hypertension during pregnancy (HDP) is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal mortality worldwide. This study examined prevalence and potential risk factors for HDP among pregnant women in Tanzania.
  
  
  METHODS
  We examined 910 pregnant women, aged at least 20 years, mean gestational age 27 weeks, from rural (n = 301) and urban (n = 609) areas, during their usual antenatal clinic visits. Hypertension was defined as clinic SBP at least 140 mmHg or DBP at least 90 mmHg. Dietary assessment included dietary diversity score using 16 food groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent association of risk factors associated with prevalence of hypertension.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 62 women (6.9%) had HDP, prevalence being higher in urban (8.1%) compared to rural area (4.4%). For the urban area, mother's age [odds ratio (OR) 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-1.20], gestational age (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02-1.20), mid-upper arm circumference (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.01-1.23), dietary diversity score (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.20-1.60) and being HIV-positive (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.10-5.18) were independently associated with HDP. When adjusted for proteinuria, associations with HIV status and mid-upper arm circumference weakened. In the rural area, HDP risk increased with age and gestational age.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Prevalence of HDP was higher in urban compared to rural area, which points at high risk for preterm delivery, low birth weight and future cardiovascular diseases. The observed risk factors identify risk groups to be screened and targeted for prevention. The role of HIV status needs to be further explored.
authors.affiliation: aSokoine University of Agriculture, Department of Food Science and Technology, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania bWageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands cShree HinduMandal Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
authors.forename: Akwilina W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Mwanri
authors.forename: Joyce L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Kinabo
authors.forename: Kaushik
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ramaiya
authors.forename: Edith J M
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Feskens
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000886:Anthropometry; D001132:Arm / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D046110:Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology*; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care; D015995:Prevalence; D011507:Proteinuria / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013636:Tanzania / Q000453:epidemiology; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data