Geospatial analysis of the presence of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and lifestyles in the Peruvian population

Introduction: In Peru, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), and obesity has increased significantly while healthy lifestyles have declined. However, the geographic distribution of these conditions at the provincial level has not been fully elucidated. Objective: To conduct a geospatial analysis to provide a comprehensive view of the distribution of DM, HTN, obesity, and lifestyles across Peruvian provinces. Materials and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the 2023 Demographic and Family Health Survey (DHS). Descriptive analysis of the study variables was performed, and geospatial analysis techniques, including heat maps and the Local Moran's Index, were used to identify distribution patterns and clusters. Results: The national prevalence of DM, HTN, and obesity was 5.66%, 20.43%, and 27.67%, respectively. It was found that 8.35% were current smokers, 2.24% consumed alcohol excessively, and 90.69% consumed fewer than five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Geospatial analysis revealed hotspots of high DM prevalence in the provinces of Oyon (Lima) and Daniel Alcides Carrion (Pasco), HTN in Putumayo (Loreto) and Corongo (Ancash), and obesity in Putumayo and Maynas (Loreto), and Pallasca (Ancash). Regarding lifestyles, clusters of high alcohol consumption were identified in the provinces of Piura and Cajamarca, high tobacco consumption in Loreto and San Martin, and low fruit and vegetable consumption in Lima and Huanuco. Conclusions: Marked geographical disparities were observed in the prevalence of chronic diseases and unhealthy lifestyles among Peruvian provinces, with a notable concentration in jungle regions and some coastal Andean areas.