Diabetes, hypertension, and hospitalizations during pregnancy: a multivariate analysis

Abstract Introduction The study analyzes the correlation between socio-demographic variables and pathologies encountered by women during pregnancy. The presence of these pathologies is recorded at the time of compiling the CAP (Certificate of Assistance for Birth). Methods Data analysis pertains to the Certificate of Assistance for Birth (CAP) concerning residents in the territory of AUSL South-East Tuscany in the years 2021 and 2022. The number of women of childbearing age in Tuscany in 2022 is 150,959, while the number of births analyzed in the study is 9,053. The study conducts multivariate analysis between socio-demographic variables and pathological outcomes. Results Controlling for age, citizenship and other factors, the risk of gestational diabetes is significantly higher (p < 0.05) among mothers: over 40 years old (OR = 1.56), with citizenship in PFPM countries (OR = 1.60) and particularly, compared to Italians, among women from Indian subcontinent (OR = 3.73) and the Maghreb (OR = 2.04), with lower educational levels (OR = 1.28) compared to graduates, obese (OR = 2.43). The risk of gestational hypertension is significantly higher (p < 0.05) among mothers: over 40 years old (OR = 1.71), obese (OR = 2.50), nulliparous (OR = 1.60). The risk of one or more hospitalizations during pregnancy is significantly higher (p < 0.05) among mothers: not employed (OR = 1.31) and homemakers (OR = 1.32) compared to employed, from Indian subcontinent (OR = 1.82) and the Maghreb (OR = 1.75) compared to Italians, with gestational hypertension (OR = 2.06). Conclusions Unlike gestational diabetes and hospitalizations during pregnancy, gestational hypertension does not show significant associations with the mother’s socio-demographic characteristics. However, gestational diabetes and hospitalizations during pregnancy are correlated with different variables: they are more common among women over 40, foreigners, homemakers, with lower educational levels, obese, and with low family economic status. Key messages • It has been observed that some variables are also risk factors for adult age pathologies, such as diabetes and hypertension. • The importance of Early Childhood Development and early interventions can improve children’s health and well-being.