PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION AND ASSOCIATED RISK PREDICTORS AMONG SCHOOL GOING ADOLESCENTS LIVING IN WEST BENGAL, INDIA

Abstract

Background: Hypertension or high blood pressure (HBP) is a most common non-communicable disease. Childhood HBP is a major public health problem worldwide as it tracks to adulthood. HBP was associated with obesity. Objective: This study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of high blood pressure in Indian adolescents and its association with various anthropometric obesity indices. Methods: The study was conducted among school students aged 11-17 years. Blood pressure was measured using digital oscillometric blood pressure monitor. Anthropometric parameters like height, weight, Neck circumference, Waist circumference and Hip circumference were assessed using standard methods. BMI, Neck height ratio and waist height ratio were calculated. Blood pressure status was evaluated on the basis of American Academy of Pediatrics guideline. SBP and/or DBP > 95th percentile in children below 13 years and 130/80 or above in adolescent 13 years or older was considered as high blood pressure. The association between BP and anthropometric parameters were examined. Results: A total 1272 students of class V-XII were participated in this study out of which 56.3% were female and 43.7% were male. 26.8% boys and 13.1% girls were under HBP category. Signicant positive correlation was observed between BP and body fat indices. Overweight and obesity were signicantly associated with risk of hypertension among boys and girls. Central obesity and upper body obesity were also associated with high blood pressure. Conclusion: Prevalence of high blood pressure in adolescent is alarming. Hypertension was signicantly associated with general obesity, abdominal obesity and upper body obesity. Thus screening of risk of high BP should be carried out in adolescents and initiate intervention to control the consequences of it.