Atherogenic Index Of Plasma In School Children Aged 6-12 Years In Calabar, Niger-Delta Region Of Southern Nigeria.

Abstract

Background:
Despite evidence that Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) may be useful for prediction of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, there is paucity of research on the index among children in sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed at assessing pattern and factors associated with abnormal AIP among children in Nigeria.

Methods:

Cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among randomly selected school-age children in Calabar, Nigeria. Bio-data, anthropometry, blood pressure, random blood sugar and lipid profile were measured. The AIP was calculated as logarithm of ratio of triglyceride (TG) and high density lipoprotein (HDL), with values categorized as low (<0.11), moderate (0.11-0.21), and high (>0.21) risk. Data were analysed using SPSS version 21.0, with significant p-value set at 0.05.

Results: 

Three hundred and seventy four (374) subjects aged 6-12 years with male:female ratio of 1:0.75 were surveyed. Mean age was 9.48 + 1.42 years. Overweight / obesity was found in 8.7% Abnormal systolic and diastolic blood pressures were found in 9.6% and 6.7%, respectively. Moderate and high risk level of AIP were found in 17.6% and 53.3%, respectively. There was significantly higher proportion of moderate or high AIP risk among overweight/obese compared with subjects with normal BMI (84.8% vs. 68.9%, p<0.05). Other anthropometric, biochemical and sociodemographic characteristics, were not significantly associated with AIP.

Conclusion:

Prevalent high-risk levels of AIP found in this study, suggest need for regular school-based cardiometabolic screening. There is also need for nutritional health education and adequate physical exercise among children. Further studies in other settings are recommended.