Trends in body mass index, blood pressure and parental smoking habits in middle socio-economic level Turkish adolescents

Abstract

Patterns of cardiovascular risk factors in populations are not static over time. We examined trends in body mass index (BMI), parental smoking and blood pressure over a 15-year period in Turkish children aged 15-17 years. Two cross-sectional studies were performed in secondary schools in Turkey in 1989-1990 and 2004-2005. Study participants were 673 children in 1989-1990 and 640 adolescents in 2004-2005. Main outcome measures were weight, height, BMI, presence and amount of parental smoking, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Age and sex matched comparisons were performed to assess temporal trends in these measures. Children in 2004-2005 had increased weight, height, BMI and decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure in all age groups compared with children in [1989][1990]. According to the international criteria, 3.4% of children were obese and 15.8% were overweight in 2005, compared to 0.7% obese and 4.2% overweight in 1990 (Po0.001). However, a decrease was noted in blood pressure; 16% were classified as hypertensive in 1989 -1990 versus 8% in 2004. The prevalence and amount of parental smoking also decreased over the last 15 years. We observed significant changes in BMI and blood pressure in Turkish children over the last 15 years. Temporal trends in these parameters may indicate a change in the pattern of cardiovascular disease in this population.

Sex hormones and metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents

“…In contrast, we observed that high blood pressure was more common among children compared with adolescents. This supports our prior observations indicating that contrasting temporal trends exist for obesity and blood pressure among Turkish adolescents [25].…”

The risk factors for elevated blood pressure and how to address cardiovascular risk factors: a review in paediatric populations

“…Europe recorded a prevalence rate of between 2-13.9% for both boys and girls. 21,24,35 Table 2 presents the odds ratio and 95% CI for the development of hypertension in selected studies in sub-Saharan Africa and other parts of the world. Monyeki et al 26 reported the highest odds ratio (13.7 95%CI 3.6-51.7) for Ellisras rural South African children aged 11-14.4 years, whereas Frontini et al 24 reported an odds ratio of 5.05 95%CI 1.4-14.7 for Bangalusa, LA, USA.…”

“…In general, the studies cited in this review classified the children as hypertensive based on the the guidelines for hypertension. 12,13,31,32,30,[33][34][35] Frontini et al 24 and Barger and Muldoon 25 classified children as hypertensive based on the 140/90 mm Hg recommendation of the WHO. It is clear from the cutoff point of these two studies together with the study of van der Sande et al 22 who used 160/95 mm Hg that the situation might be worse than it is reported in their respective area.…”

Malnutrition and Cardiometabolic Risk among Turkish Adolescents: a Public Health Concern during Epidemiological Transition

“…Significant changes were observed in Turkish children anthropometric and blood pressure characteristic between 1990 and 2005 [67]. In 2005 higher weight, height and BMI.…”

“…In 2005 higher weight, height and BMI. During the same 15-year period and according to international criteria, obesity prevalence increased from 0.7 to 3.4%, and overweight from 4.2 to 15.8% of the children [67].…”