Impact of geographic altitude on the nutritional and anthropometric status of pregnant women in Peru: evidence for a contextualized maternal policy

Baquerizo-Sedano L.; Chaquila J.A.; Torres-Salinas C.; González-Muniesa P. · Nutricion Clinica y Dietetica Hospitalaria (2025) · DOI: 10.12873/453baquerizo

Resumen

Introduction: Pre-gestational body mass index (PGBMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) are key variables in adequate intrauterine growth and development. The impact of altitude, particularly hypobaric hypoxia, on bodily functioning is well known, but questions remain about its impact during pregnancy. Objective: To compare the IMCPG and the GPG for each month across different levels of geographical altitude according to place of residence. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study analyzed the data from the Nutritional Status Information System for children and pregnant women in Peru, 2024, with a final sample of 243 587 pregnant women. Four altitude classifications (masl) were made: <1500; 1500–2499; 2500–3499; ≥ 3500. The statistical analysis included absolute and relative frequencies and measures of central tendency. To establish differences between the groups, an analysis of variance was performed with multiple post hoc comparisons and a Bonferroni adjustment. Results: 55.8% had a high IMCPG (>24.9 kg/m2), the percentage of pregnant women with normal weight increased, and the percentage of pregnant women with obesity decreased as altitude increased. There is a correlation between weight gain and gestational age and an inverse relationship between IMCPG and GPG. By the ninth month, in the overweight and obese categories, the lower altitude range had significantly lower weight gain compared to the other altitudes. Conclusion: Nutritional anthropometric assessment showed a higher IMCPG and a higher prevalence of pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity in the low-altitude population compared to the high-altitude population. No clear evidence was found regarding different GPG between altitude levels considering the IMCPG category. A contextualized maternal public health policy throughout the process is essential.

Instituciones: Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola; Universidad Continental; Universidad Privada del Norte