Nutrition Indicators, Dyslipidemia and Arterial Pressure in the Pediatric Population Located in Low and High Marginalisation Zones in Mexico

Abstract

The objective of this investigation is to evaluate nutritional indicators, lipidic profile, and blood pressure in the pediatric population that live in low and high marginalisation zones in Mexico. In a cross-sectional analytical study, students 6 to 18 years old in low and high marginalisation areas of Mexico were selected. Participants were asked to take surveys related to anthropometrics, biochemical, arterial pressure, and evaluation of healthy nutrition index. Less than 1% of the participants had a “healthy nutrition” for both areas. The joint prevalence of overweight and obesity was 40%. The combined prevalence of elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure was almost 40%, a huge percentage of systolic blood pressure (32%) was observed as well. Half of the population had high levels of triglycerides. Marginalisation was inversely associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure and positively associated with HDL-C. The population has a low consumption of fruits and vegetables together with high consumption of beverages containing sugar and sweets. It is evident in all the indicators that a significant percentage of subjects exceed the clinical cut-off values related to risk regardless of marginalisation level. It is necessary to insist on educational intervention to create a conscience in observing healthy nutrition at an early age and to preserve these healthy habits during adolescence. The inclusión of the measurement of clinical indicators like arterial pressure and the evaluation of biochemical indicators that assess cardiovascular risks in the public policies of pediatric health is necessary.