“…Multiple Poisson regression models with robust variance were analyzed using the selection of independent variables (predictors) according to a hierarchical approach based on conceptual determinants. Three levels of determinants were defined: distal (variables of socioeconomic and demographic characteristics), intermediate (lifestyle, reproductive, and prenatal care information), and proximal (morbidities in pregnancy) (Bacelar et al, 2017; Victora et al, 1997). Initially, the selection of independent variables considered association with HDP according to p ‐value <.20 or due to their significance in the literature, adopting the multiple adjustments by the level of proximity to the outcome, inserting first those of the distal level (maternal age, maternal schooling, Bolsa Família conditional cash transfer program, and wealth index), followed by the intermediate (primigravida status, abortion history, planned pregnancy, pre‐pregnancy BMI, prenatal care visits, initiation of prenatal care in the first trimester of pregnancy, and GWG), and proximal level (chronic hypertension, diabetes during pregnancy, and malaria diagnosis in pregnancy).…”