A0464 Prevalence and Determinants of Hypertension among Adolescents in New Delhi, India - A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objectives: To study the prevalence of prehypertension & hypertension among adolescents in urban areas of Delhi, & the risk factors associated with hypertension among them. Methods: The community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in three urban areas of central Delhi catered by Maulana Azad Medical College over a period of 12 months among adolescents residing in these areas. The sample size was calculated to be 915. Accounting for 10% non-response rate, a total of 1005 adolescents were included in the study. Houses in all 3 areas were selected as per systematic random sampling. The purpose of the study was explained to each subject & his/her parents in the local language and informed consent was taken. The individual was then interviewed using a questionnaire containing items on identification data and risk factors, and tested for both diabetes & hypertension. Anthropometric measurements were also done. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS-17. Results: Overall prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension was found to be 6.5% & 11.8% respectively. Prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher in obese persons (p value = 0.001), sedentary adolescents (p value = 0.01), smokers (p value = 0.02), non-vegetarians (p value = 0.004) & subjects with family history of hypertension (p value = 0.02). Independent risk factors on multivariate logistic regression analysis were age 15–19 years [OR = 3.31 (1.88–5.27)], obesity [OR = 2.38 (1.41–4.02)], non-vegetarian diet [OR = 1.79 (1.09–2.58)], smoking [OR = 2.24 (1.61–3.72)] & family history of hypertension [OR = 2.71 (1.79–4.58)]. Conclusion: Current study observed that hypertension has emerged as a public health problem among Indian adolescents. Intensive IEC campaigns to educate adolescents about healthy lifestyle changes is essential for prevention & control of hypertension.