Prevalence of Hypertension and its associated factors among School children in a rural area of Tamil Nadu – a Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension one of the major contributors towards coronary artery disease, stroke has its roots in childhood and screening for hypertensive, children with borderline hypertension and in whom the risk factors for hypertension is present will go a long way in helping these children lead a better life. Secondary prevention is an important strategy in its control. Previous studies have documented that hypertension may begin in adolescence, perhaps even in childhood. The aim of this study is to screen blood pressure among adolescent school students in selected schools of Coimbatore, Tamilnadu. Materials and methodology: A cross sectional survey conducted in selected schools of Coimbatore. 1303 school children were studied from January 2009 to February 2010 after obtaining consent. An elevated BP reading obtained with an oscillometric device was repeated using auscultation. The Blood pressure values were compared with a standard chart given by the Report of the Fourth US Task Force on Blood Pressure Control in Children, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Inc. Chicago, USA) package version 16.00. Results: Out of 1303 children 821 were males and 482 were females. In all age groups males were more when compared to females. Majority were from rural setting. Total prevalence of hypertension in the age group of 10 to 15 years was 14.04%. Prevalence of hypertension among males was found to be 13.89% and prevalence of hypertension among females was found to be 14.29%. Conclusion: Awareness should be done regarding hypertension and its management. Secondary prevention should be initiated at the earliest to prevent complications