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Blood pressure pattern and its correlates among primary school children in Jos, Nigeria
Abstract
Objective: To determine the blood pressure pattern and the factors that correlate with BP among primary school children in Jos metropolis.
Study Population/Methods: The blood pressures of one thousand, eight hundred and seven (1807) apparently healthy school pupils aged six (6) to fourteen (14) years (mean 10.1±2.14 years) were measured using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer after obtaining parental consent. The subjects were primary school children of Jos North Local Government area of Plateau state. One school was randomly selected from each geographic ward of the Local Government Area. The subjects' weights and heights were also measured using standard techniques.
Results: The study population consisted of 906 girls and 901 boys (M: F = 1:1) ranging in age from 6 to 14 years (mean 10.1±2.14years). The overall mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 94.5±12.59mmHg and 67.5±10.98 mmHg respectively. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures of the girls (96.2±12.82mmHg and 68.7±11.0mmHg respectively) were significantly higher than those of boys (92.9±12.23mmHg and 66.3±10.92mmHg respectively), p<0.001. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure in both sexes exhibited significant positive correlation with age, weight and height (r = 0.24-0.42, P< 0.05). One hundred and seventy two (9.52%) of the 1807 pupils had elevated blood pressure using the criteria of the 2nd task force on blood pressure control.
Conclusion: The blood pressure levels of school children aged between 614 years in Jos metropolis while being similar to values obtained in previous studies from other parts of the country, correlate positively with age, weight and height. Anthropometric parameters, specifically weight and height, should be taken into consideration when determining the appropriate blood pressure for age in children. It is suggested that the blood pressures of school children should be routinely measured and that health workers should be educated on the importance of routine blood pressure measurement in children.
Keywords: blood pressure, children
Highland Medical Research Journal Vol. 3(2) 2005: 51-61
Study Population/Methods: The blood pressures of one thousand, eight hundred and seven (1807) apparently healthy school pupils aged six (6) to fourteen (14) years (mean 10.1±2.14 years) were measured using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer after obtaining parental consent. The subjects were primary school children of Jos North Local Government area of Plateau state. One school was randomly selected from each geographic ward of the Local Government Area. The subjects' weights and heights were also measured using standard techniques.
Results: The study population consisted of 906 girls and 901 boys (M: F = 1:1) ranging in age from 6 to 14 years (mean 10.1±2.14years). The overall mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 94.5±12.59mmHg and 67.5±10.98 mmHg respectively. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures of the girls (96.2±12.82mmHg and 68.7±11.0mmHg respectively) were significantly higher than those of boys (92.9±12.23mmHg and 66.3±10.92mmHg respectively), p<0.001. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure in both sexes exhibited significant positive correlation with age, weight and height (r = 0.24-0.42, P< 0.05). One hundred and seventy two (9.52%) of the 1807 pupils had elevated blood pressure using the criteria of the 2nd task force on blood pressure control.
Conclusion: The blood pressure levels of school children aged between 614 years in Jos metropolis while being similar to values obtained in previous studies from other parts of the country, correlate positively with age, weight and height. Anthropometric parameters, specifically weight and height, should be taken into consideration when determining the appropriate blood pressure for age in children. It is suggested that the blood pressures of school children should be routinely measured and that health workers should be educated on the importance of routine blood pressure measurement in children.
Keywords: blood pressure, children
Highland Medical Research Journal Vol. 3(2) 2005: 51-61
