Prevalence of Hypertension in Children 10-18 Years of Age in Private Schools of Delhi and Their Associated Risk Factors.

Corresponding Author:
Dr. Faraz Hussain Khan,
F-30, 5th Floor,
Abul Fazal Enclave Part - 1,
Thokar no. 4, Jamia Nagar,
Okhla, New Delhi – 110025. India.
E-mail: farazz_89@hotmail.com

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Prevalence of non-communicable diseases were considered to be rare in children. But they have increased recently in developing countries, with increase in the prevalence of paediatric overweight and obesity. Body Mass Index (BMI) is commonly used to define overweight and obesity. Positive associations have been repeatedly reported between BMI and Hypertension.

METHODS

We have conducted an observational cross sectional study of hypertension in 1250 students in the age group of 10-18 years studying in class 6 to 12 during school hours from July 2013 to June 2014. The values were recorded in multiples of 2 mmHg and levels greater than 95^th percentile of age and gender were considered using the definition of the fourth report of NHBPEP. The association of risk factors were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Out of a total 1250 children, 239 (19.1%) had systolic hypertension, and 216 (17.3%) has diastolic hypertension. Prevalence of overweight and obesity were 11.8% and 7.5% respectively. Highly significant statistical association was found between body mass index (BMI) and both systolic and diastolic hypertension (p value 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of both systolic and diastolic hypertensions were significantly high in overweight and obese children in comparison to normal weight children. Strong positive association was found between body mass index (BMI) and both systolic and diastolic hypertension. Association of other risk factors such as sex, family history, dietary habits like junk food intake and extra salt intake, were also observed.

KEY WORDS

Non-Communicable Disease, Children, Systolic Blood Pressure, Diastolic Blood Pressure, Overweight, Obese, Hypertension, Body Mass Index