A Study on Variation of Blood Pressure and Associated Factors among Adolescent School Students in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescent Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most alarming public health problems and is a potential risk factor for non-communicable diseases as asymptomatic, mostly remain undiagnosed. Simple anthropometric indicators acting as preliminary screening tool to predict HTN among adolescents is the need of hour. Aim: To find out the magnitude of pre HTN and HTN among adolescent school students of North 24 Parganas and to find out the variation of blood pressure with different anthropometric parameters. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from June to September, 2019 among 369 adolescent school students of class VIII to XII in two Government higher secondary schools, selected conveniently, in North 24 Parganas. Data was collected by face to face interview, blood pressure recording and anthropometric measurements in the selected schools was done. Data was analysed using SPSS version 16.0. Results: Among 369 participants, 189 (51.2%) were boys and 180 (48.8%) were girls. Mean Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) among boys were 110.2 (±14.9), 68.0 (±9.3) and among girls 113.1 (±14.3), 71.2 (±9), respectively. Overall HTN was found to be 7.0% (6.3% in boys and 7.8% in girls) and pre HTN was 13.8% (12.2% in boys and 15.6% in girls). There were significant (p<0.05) positive correlation of SBP and DBP with BMI (r=0.692; r=0.673), Body fat percentage (r=0.686; r=0.676,), Waist Circumference (WC) (r=0.708; r=0.640), Neck Circumference (NC) (r=0.593; r=0.509,). HTN was significantly associated with physical activity and salt intake (p<0.05). Conclusion: As a rising trend of HTN was found among adolescents, early lifestyle modification and strengthening of school health setup using simple anthropometric measures are recommended for early detection of adolescent HTN and to prevent detrimental consequences.