Prevalence and determinants of hypertension among urban school children in the age group of 13- 17 years in, Chennai, Tamilnadu

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension is a common disease associated with high mortality and morbidity. Hypertension could have its origin in childhood and go undetected unless specially looked for during this period. With globalization bringing more lifestyle modifications, adolescents are exposed to multiple risk factors including obesity, diet, academic stress, lack of physical work apart from hereditary risk factors. Early diagnosis of hypertension is an important strategy in its control, effective treatment and prevention of complications. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of hypertension among school children in the age group of 13-17 years and study the determinants. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was done among 400 adolescent students including government and private schools in the age group of 13-17 years in Chennai. Sociodemographic details, food habits, physical activity, anthropometric measurements and family history of hypertension were obtained. Blood pressure was measured at 0, 5 & 30 minutes and average of three readings was taken as reading of the individual. Statistical analyses were done using SPSS. Results:The prevalence of Adolescent hypertension was 21.5%. MANOVA showed there was significant (p < 0.05) effect on gender, class of study, body mass index, waist hip ratio. Chi-square showed significant association for same variables including parent history of hypertension. The major determinants were found to be increased Body mass index and decreased physical activity (ODD's ratio > 3). Conclusion and Recommendations: Hypertension among the adolescent age group was alarmingly high; there was no difference in prevalence among government and private schools and among various types of curr iculum. Awareness of hypertension was very low. There was no association with socio economic status. Periodic surveys should be done in schools to identify the "at risk" group of children and adolescents who can develop hypertension in future, so that preventive care can be provided.