High Blood Pressure in School Children: Prevalence and Risk Factors
Author Information
Author(s): Urrutia-Rojas Ximena, Egbuchunam Christie U, Bae Sejong, Menchaca John, Bayona Manuel, Rivers Patrick A, Singh Karan P
Primary Institution: University of North Texas Health Science Center
Hypothesis
The study aims to determine the prevalence of high blood pressure (HBP) and associated risk factors in school children aged 8 to 13 years.
Conclusion
Twenty one percent of school children had high blood pressure, with higher prevalence among overweight and Hispanic children.
Supporting Evidence
- The prevalence of high blood pressure was found to be 20.6% among the children studied.
- Overweight children were at least three times more likely to have high blood pressure.
- Hispanic children showed a higher prevalence of high blood pressure compared to Caucasian children.
Takeaway
One in five school kids has high blood pressure, especially those who are overweight or Hispanic.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,066 elementary school children, measuring blood pressure and assessing associations with BMI, gender, ethnicity, and acanthosis nigricans.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the non-probabilistic sampling method and the small sample sizes of certain ethnic groups.
Limitations
The study's non-random sampling and local nature limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Participants were primarily Hispanic (58.7%), followed by African American (24.6%) and Caucasian (16.7%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website