Fruit and vegetable consumption was not significantly associated with hypertension among Peruvians aged 15+; older age (aRRR=47.55) and obesity (aRRR=7.16) were key factors.
Does consumption of five or more servings of fruits and vegetables prevent hypertension in Peruvian individuals aged 15 years and older?
In a large cross-sectional study of Peruvians, fruit and vegetable consumption was not associated with hypertension, whereas age and obesity were strong determinants.
Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%
Background: Hypertension (HTN) remains a major non-communicable disease globally and a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity. Fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC) has been widely promoted as a preventive strategy, yet post-pandemic evidence from low- and middle-income countries remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between the consumption of five or more servings of fruits and vegetables and hypertension among the Peruvian population during the post-COVID-19 period. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted using data from the 2022–2023 Peru Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). The final weighted sample included 64,347 individuals aged 15 years and older. Multinomial logistic regression and robust Poisson regression models were applied, accounting for complex survey design and sampling weights, to estimate relative risk ratios (RRR), prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for pre-hypertension, hypertension and its subtypes. Results: Overall, 14.20% of the Peruvian adult population presented with hypertension. Consumption of fruits and vegetables was not significantly associated with either pre-hypertension or hypertension (p > 0.05). In contrast, older age (aRRR = 47.55; p 0.05), while obesity exerted a stronger effect on diastolic hypertension (aPR = 9.04; p < 0.001). Conclusions: No significant association was found between fruit and vegetable consumption and hypertension among Peruvians during the post-COVID-19 period. However, age and body mass index were key determinants of both pre-hypertension and HTN, highlighting the need for broader, integrated public health strategies beyond dietary promotion alone.
Arhuis-Inca et al. (Wed,) reported a other. Fruit and vegetable consumption was not significantly associated with hypertension among Peruvians aged 15+; older age (aRRR=47.55) and obesity (aRRR=7.16) were key factors.