These tools will no longer be maintained as of December 31, 2024. Archived website can be found here. PubMed4Hh GitHub repository can be found here. Contact NLM Customer Service if you have questions.


Pubmed for Handhelds

PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

Search MEDLINE/PubMed

  • Title: Pattern of blood pressure and hypertension in adolescents in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
    Author: Okpere AN, Anochie IC, Eke FU.
    Journal: West Afr J Med; 2013; 32(2):93-8. PubMed ID: 23913495.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: The rate and prevalence of hypertension in children is increasing. Childhood hypertensionif untreated can lead to hypertension in adulthood with its consequent cardiovascular and renal complications. Early detection of paediatric hypertension may lead to improvement in cardiovascular health in adults. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the blood pressure (BP) pattern and prevalence of hypertension in asymptomatic secondary school children and factors associated with hypertension in these adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 820 adolescents selected from 12 secondary schools in Port Harcourt was conducted. BP was measured by the auscultatory method. The average of three readings was taken as the actual blood pressure. Hypertension was defined as systolic and/or diastolic blood pressures equal to or greater than the 95th percentile for age, sex and height. Data was analysed using SPSS version 17.0. RESULTS: Systolic and diastolic BP increased with age in all subjects. Male subjects had a higher systolic BP compared to females. Hypertension was seen in 26 (3.2%) subjects; 13 males and 13 females. The proportional prevalence was higher in the age group 15-17 years (3.9%); in those in social classes V (9.1%) and with family history of hypertension (3.6%), (p à 0.05 in all cases). It was however significantly higher in the obese subjects (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hypertension in adolescents in Port Harcourt is high and is strongly associated with obesity. We recommend blood pressure measurement as part of the school health programme in secondary schools.
    [Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]