Prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among schoolchildren aged 12-14 years in Bursa, Turkey

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the hypertension prevalence and risk factors related to hypertension among schoolchildren aged 12-14 years in Bursa, Turkey. Methods: We conducted this study at the Bursa Provincial Center between February and June 2006. Two thousand and four hundred seventy-eight schoolchildren were randomly selected. The evaluation of elevated blood pressure was carried out according to The Fourth Report on the Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents. Results: Of the 2,478 students screened, 350 (14.1%) has prehypertension, 147 (5.4%) has hypertension, and 40 (1.6%) has malign hypertension. There was a statistically significant relationship between hypertension prevalence and aged, gender, family history of hypertension, and body mass index >= 85th percentile. Conclusion: Blood pressure measurements should be in physical examinations as part of continuing care of a child. The prevention of over-weight and risk of overweight can decrease the prevalence of hypertension.