Blood Pressure Profile and Risk Factors for Hypertension among Secondary School Adolescents in Abakaliki, Southeast Nigeria

A bstract Background: The adolescent age group is characterized by a tremendous pace in growth, biological, and psychosocial changes. The rapid increases in anthropometric parameters and changes in the psychosocial behaviors have been shown to be risk factors for hypertension among them. Objectives: This study was undertaken to determine the blood pressure (BP) profile of apparently healthy secondary school adolescents in the Abakaliki metropolis and to determine the association of BP to risk factors for hypertension among the adolescents. Materials and Methods: A multi-stage sampling method was used to select 2401 adolescents aged 10–19 years. This was a cross-sectional study, spanning from September 2019 to December 2019. BP was measured using the sphygmomanometer, and the anthropometric readings, information on biodata, and the risk factors for hypertension (substance use and eating habits) were recorded in a proforma. Results: A total of 2401 adolescents participated in the study, comprising 1116 (46.5%) males and 1285 (53.5%) females, yielding a male: female ratio of 1: 1.2. The mean systolic and diastolic BPs (DBPs) were 102.98 ± 12.27 mmHg and 63.77 ± 10.21 mmHg, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension was 3.7%; with the proportion of males being 38 (3.4%) and that of females being 52 (4.0%). The female adolescents had a higher prevalence of elevated BP than their male counterparts (42 (3.27%) vs. 30 (2.69 %; P < 0.01). Hypertension occurred more during the mid-adolescent age (13–16years). The BP profile of subjects correlated positively with anthropometric variables (body mass index, height, and weight) P < 0.01. Conclusion: The BP profile of the study population was comparable to values obtained nationally and was significantly higher in females. The BP profile correlated positively with the anthropometric indices.