PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION IN ADOLESCENTS OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS, HAYATABAD, PESHAWAR

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a chronic diseased condition in which blood pressure levels remain high as compared to the standard values for a certain age, for a certain period of time. It may compromise the functions of the heart, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels. At any age, in either sex, elevated blood pressure (systolic or diastolic) is a contributor for all forms of cardiovascular disease. Increased prevalence of hypertension among adolescents is associated with inadequate nutrition, physical inactivity and overweight. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of hypertension among adolescents and association of Body Mass Index with hypertension. 
METHODS:This cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2017 to May 2018, selecting two private schools of Hayatabad Peshawar (Frontier Children’s Academy for boys and Frontier Youth Academy for girls). Students aged 13 to 18 years present on the day of collection of data were included. Those who were unwilling to participate were excluded. Interviewer filled questionnaire included weight, height, blood pressure, family history, physical activity amongst other questions . Convenience sampling technique was used. Height was measured with measuring tape, weight with a portable weighing machine and blood pressure was measured by the auscultatory method. Results: The study included 372 participants, having 53.8% males. Majority of the students were normotensive (BP < 90th percentile). Pre-hypertension seen in 4.57% and hypertension in 36.83% of children. Total prevalence of hypertension was 41.4%, overweight 10.43% and obesity was observed in 3.48%. 
RESULTS:The study included 372 participants, having 53.8% males. Majority of the students were normotensive (BP < 90th percentile). Pre-hypertension seen in 4.57% and hypertension in 36.83% of children. Total prevalence of hypertension was 41.4%, overweight 10.43% and obesity was observed in 3.48%. 
CONCLUSION: Results confirms that there is significant high prevalence of hypertension in adolescent population in Peshawar. Total prevalence among the study subjects was 41.4%. We identified factors like family history, life style, socioeconomic and nutritional status but they turned out to be not-significant except the BMI which was quite significant. Future investigations need to standardize techniques and references, besides analyzing important factors for this population such as age, nutritional status, adolescence and stages of sexual maturity, to mitigate the high heterogeneity. 
KEY WORDS: Hypertension, Prehypertension, Adolescence, BMI, Family history, Nutrition, Physical activity.