Association between arterial hypertension and nutritional status in adolescents from Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil

Abstract

IntroductionAdolescents are a population with unique lifestyle challenges, including physical inactivity, inadequate nutrition, and obesity, all of which increase the risk of developing hypertension (HTN). The objective of this study has been to estimate the prevalence of factors associated with hypertension in adolescents in the city of Goiânia City, Central Brazil.MethodsBetween 2013and2014, a cross-sectional population study on cardiovascular risk in adolescents, was conducted with the participation of 1,586 adolescents in 108 classes at 36 schools (public and private) in Goiânia city. All of the adolescents were interviewed to establish their sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics related to hypertension and nutritional status. Anthropometric and blood pressure data were collected following a protocol. A Poisson regression, stratified by gender, was used to verify the factors associated with HTN.ResultsIn this mixed-gender group of 1,586 students, the prevalence of HTN was 6.2% (95% CI: 4.6–8.2%) in girls and 14.0% (95% CI: 10.2–18.8%) in boys—about twice as high in boys as in girls (p <0.001). Obesity was independently associated with HTN in both genders. Being overweight was a risk factor for HTN. In addition, there was a positive correlation between the SBP/SBP percentile and the BMI Z-score/Nutritional status (NS)in both genders. A high prevalence of physical inactivity was also observed in the adolescents investigated, especially in the girls. On the other hand, more boys than girls were found to be obese.ConclusionThe results of this investigation revealed the need for strategies to prevent and control HTN and its risk factors, especially in Brazil's schools. In addition to the constant surveillance of HTN prevalence and risk factors (in particular, being overweight or obese), information should be distributed to promote beneficial health behaviors among adolescents.

The Contribution of Linear Growth Components to Hypertension in Secondary School Adolescents in an Urban Setting in Cameroon

“…This study also found a higher prevalence of elevated BP and hypertension in children 14 years and older, a finding which concurs with other studies in Africa [38] [39]. Boys were significantly taller than girls, a finding similar to that reported in-Brazil [33]. Nonetheless, there was no significant difference in weight according to gender contrary to that reported by de Almeida et al [33].…”

“…This study found a high prevalence of hypertension (37.5%) in the investigated adolescent study population with 15.8% of girls having hypertension compared to 15.3% of boys. These findings are similar to those obtained in Tanzania [30] and Pakistan [31] but higher than those reported in Portugal [32], Brazil [33], India [34] and other developed nations [35] [36] [37]. The high prevalence in our study population can be attributed to the fact that adolescents are a group of people with unique lifestyle challenges including socio-cultural barriers, high levels of physical inactivity and unhealthy nutrition due to less parental supervision compounded by the obesity epidemic, all of which are risk factors associated with hypertension.…”

“…Boys were significantly taller than girls, a finding similar to that reported in-Brazil [33]. Nonetheless, there was no significant difference in weight according to gender contrary to that reported by de Almeida et al [33].…”

Cardiometabolic risk in adolescents students of high school: influence of work

“…National studies evaluating high BP in adolescents found prevalence rates between 2.6% and 24%, showing that values may vary according to region, age group, method and device used to measure BP (4,(22)(23)(24) . Large national studies have also found that blood pressure is higher among the population over 16 years old (4,22) . Data presented here shows that from this age on the number of workers increases, which may influence BP.…”

Frequency of Elevated Blood Pressure Associated With Lifestyle Choices Among School Going Adolescents in Karachi: A Cross Sectional Survey

“…2 Height was measured using a tape measure (accurate to ±1/2cm). Measurements were recorded between 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. 11 Weight and height were converted to metric measurements to determine the BMI, which is calculated by weight (kg) divided by height squared (m 2 ).…”