High prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in pregnant women in Benin.

Introduction: Modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) are highly prevalent in SubSaharan African communities. In these countries the burden of CVRF during early pregnancy has been poorly documented.

Aim: The objective of this study was to describe the frequency of CVRF in pregnant women before the 20th week of gestation in Benin.

Methods: Consecutive pregnant women with a gestational age < 20th week were included in 30 maternity clinics in Benin. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine characteristics associated with CVRF.

Results: 1244 pregnant women were included (680 (54.7%) in urban areas and 584 (45.3%) in rural areas). The median age was 26 years. The frequencies of high blood pressure (HBP), obesity and diabetes were 18.9%, 15.0% and 3.1% respectively. Very few women (25.3%) were aware of the HBP disorder. HBP was associated with an age ≥ 35 years (OR = 1.7, 95%CI:1.1-2.7), a rural setting (OR = 2.6; 95%CI:1.9-3.5), an insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables (OR = 3.2; 95%CI:2.0-5.3) and a history of at least 2 fetal losses (OR = 1.9; 95% CI [1.4-2.7]). The risk of being overweight was associated with an age >24 years old (OR = 1.6; 95%CI:1.1-2.2) conversely a rural setting was protective (OR = 0.7; 95%CI:0.5-0.9). Obesity was associated with an age > 35 years old (OR = 4.1; 95%CI:2.5-6.8) and a rural setting (OR = 0.3; 95%CI: 0.2-0.5).

Conclusion: The frequency of CVRF in women before 20th week of gestation was high. Most of the women were unaware of the disorder. Thus the screening of CVRF among women of reproductive age might be relevant.