Eating habits, anthropometry, lifestyle, and hypertension of a group of non-village indigenous women in Amazon, Brazil.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the anthropometric characteristics, eating habits, and lifestyle of non-village indigenous women living in Manaus, AM, and their association with hypertension. This cross-sectional (descriptive-analytical) study was carried out from January 2020 to December 2021 using a questionnaire for clinical, sociodemographic, and behavioral data. Non-pregnant women who belonged to Parque das Tribos for more than a year, declared themselves indigenous, and were over 18 years of age were included in the study. In total, 21 ethnicities were identified, and 95 indigenous women were evaluated. The average age group was 36±12.1 years, the average height was 157 cm, and the body mass index was 28.8 kg/m2. The prevalence of systemic arterial hypertension was ±40%, and 68.5% had excess weight, with 29.1% having class I obesity. In all, 35.8% consumed a lot of salt, sugar, and industrialized foods, and 88.4% were sedentary. Much of the sample presented excess weight, and almost all were sedentary. More than one-third had unappropriated eating habits. Hypertension was present in more than one-third of these indigenous women. There was an association between higher body mass index and hypertension. Knowing the characteristics of this group of non-village indigenous women may help determine the best health approach. The data demonstrate the necessity of preventive measures.