High Blood Pressure among Adolescents in Peripheral Area, Riau Archipelago, Indonesia

Abstract

Introduction: Most epidemiological studies have shown that the prevalence of high blood pressure (BP) has significantly increased among children and adolescents in various countries of the world. Objectives: To assess the blood pressure levels and prevalence of high blood pressure among adolescents (14–19 years) and identify the risk factors associated with high blood pressure. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study on 262 teenager population (115 male, 147 female) in peripheral area, Bintan Island, Riau Archipelago, Indonesia. Each participant was conducted measurement of arterial blood pressure, weight, height, and body mass index (BMI). Information regarding risk factors of hypertension was conducted by questionnaire. Results: Mean SBP and mean DBP were 119.5 (SD 18.8) and 75.1 (SD 10.9) mm Hg respectively (124.53 (SD 20.6) & 77.12 (SD 11.3) in males, 115.56 (SD 16.4) and 73.52 (SD 10.4) in females). Mean age was 16.62 (SD 1.1). Mean blood pressure (MBP) showed significant correlation with age. From 262 participants, 35 participants (13.3%) had hypertension, 14 participants (5.3%) had obese (RR = 5.12; 95% CI 3.78–6.92). MBP showed significant correlation with BMI. Other risk factors such as family history of hypertension, salt intake, exercise, smoke, stress, alcohol consumption, illness, and medication history showed insignificant correlation with MBP. Conclusion: Prevalence of hypertension among adolescences in peripheral area is higher than national prevalence. The major risk factors for hypertension among adolescents are BMI.