Abstract

BRITO-ZURITA, Olga Rosa et al. Risk factors for hypertension among school-age children in the northwest of Mexico. Rev. Fac. Med. (Méx.) [online]. 2012, vol.55, n.6, pp.11-20. ISSN 2448-4865.

Introduction:Epidemiological studies have shown that arterial hypertension can start since the first years of life. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension and risk factors (RF) among school-age children from one community in the northwest of Mexico. Material and methods: A poly-stage, randomized study was carried out in healthy pupils aged 6 to 12 years old. Blood pressure (BP) and anthropometrical variables were measured. Hypertension was considered whenever BP in relation to body height was ≥ 95 percentil in local tables (LT) and task force (TF). RF was assessed using a questionnaire applied to parents and students. Results: In 684 children, 51.3% females and 46.8% males, the prevalence of hypertension according to TF was 7.74% and 2.63% according to LT. An association between hypertension and anthropometrical variables was observed. Weight and age are RF for systolic hypertension, while weight was RF for diastolic hypertension. Conclusion: Hypertension prevalence according to LT was similar to the one reported in other studies; however, it is increased according to TF. There was a direct correlation between hypertension and anthropometrical variables. Weight and age were RF for hypertension.

Keywords : Prevalence; arterial hypertension; primary school students.