A11666 Prevalence and risk factors of hypertension in primary school children in the South West Region, Cameroon

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of pre-hypertension, hypertension and describe trends in blood pressure rise and associated risk factors among primary school children. Methods: This was a community based cross-sectional study conducted in South West Region, Cameroon. Children aged 5–15 years were selected from 15 primary schools using 3-stage cluster sampling. Blood pressure was measured using mercury sphygmomanometer; weight and height were measured and body mass index calculated. Obesity and family history of hypertension were taken into account. Children with elevated blood pressure were screened a second and third time at one week intervals. Hypertension was defined as elevated blood pressure on all three occasions according to the Fourth Report on blood pressure control in children Results: Of 1313 children screened, 1157 (88.1%) children were included. The mean age was 8.7 ± 2.2 years and sex ratio was 1.03:1, with slight male predominance (50.9%). Prevalence of hypertension and pre-hypertension were 3.2% and 7.6% respectively. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 102.6mmHg and 55.4mmHg respectively. Blood pressure showed gradual increase over age with spurt at age of 12 years in both genders. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure had a significant positive correlation with height (R = + 0.323, p = 0.000), weight (R = + 0.371, p = 0.000), and BMI (R = + 0.273, p = 0.000). Hypertension was significantly associated with obesity (p < 0.000). There was no significant association between hypertension and family history of hypertension (p = 0.293). Conclusion: Prevalence of hypertension is on the rise in younger age group which shows need for early screening and preventive measures.