The Relationship between Blood Pressure and Anthropometric Indicators in Rural South African Children: Ellisras Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Background: Underweight, overweight and high blood pressure (BP) are known cardiovascular risk factors in children. The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between the neck circumference (NC) and mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) with BP in Ellisras rural children age 5-12 years. Methods: All children (n=1029 boys, n=932 girls) had BP and anthropometry measured. The receiver operating characteristics curve was used to discriminate children with high BP. Linear regression was used to assess the relationship between BP and anthropometric indicators. Results: NC and MUAC significantly discriminated children with high BP. The regression analysis showed a significant association for Systolic blood pressure (SBP) with NC (β=0.764, 95% CI 0.475 to 1.052) and MUAC (β=1.286, 95% Cl 0.990 to 1.581) for unadjusted and adjusted for age and gender NC (β=0.628 95% Cl 0.303 to 0.953) and MUAC (β=1.351 95% CI 1.004 to 1.697) also showed a significant association. Conclusion: The prevalence of underweight was high in these children. NC and MUAC can predict children with high BP. There was a positive significant association between BP and anthropometric indicators in this study population.