Effect of Body Mass Index and Waist-Hip Ratio on Blood Pressure in Adolescents: A Descriptive and Correlational Study

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to examine the effect of the body mass index and waist-hip ratio on blood pressure in adolescents. Material and Methods: This study, of descriptive and correlational research design, randomly selected the sampling group in the 3 general high schools of Beşiktaş District. The research population included 2769 students in the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades of high school, and the sample included 711 students. Data were obtained using a research question form that was developed in line with the literature as well as body mass index percentile, waist-hip ratio measurement and a blood pressure (BP) percentile. Results The average waist-hip ratio was 72 (0.04) in female adolescents and 79 (0.04) in males adolescents. A total of 60.9% of the sampling had normal weight, and 87.3% had normal blood pressure. Both body mass index and waist-hip ratio had an effect on blood pressure (p<0.00), but body mass index in particular had a greater effect. Conclusion: To determine chronic health problems at an early age, it is necessary to follow up with adolescents at health centres and train them at school about healthy lifestyles. Nursing is one of the professional groups that should assume this responsibility.