Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Gaisl, M.
Prevalence of arterial hypertension in adolescents in underdeveloped regions of Mthatha, South Africa.
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Graz Medical University; 2020. pp. 60
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Goswami Nandu
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- Abstract:
- Background One of the biggest known risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is hypertension. Hypertension and other risk factors for CVDs are a rising public health problem for South Africa. Prevalence of hypertension seems to be alarmingly high. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of hypertension and examine the correlation with overweight and obesity in school-attending adolescents of Mthatha, South Africa. Methods In a cross-sectional study two hundred and forty-four (188 females, 56 males) aged 13 – 16 years were recruited. Blood pressure, height and weight were assessed from all individuals. Subsequently, blood pressure percentiles adjusted for gender, age, and height, and body mass index (BMI) were calculated to determine presence of hypertension and obesity, respectively. Results The overall prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension was over a third (38.9%) and almost one third (31.6%) of adolescents were either overweight or obese. Prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension in overweight and obese individuals was at 61.0% (47/77) but also in lean adolescents a fairly high prevalence of 28.7% (48/167) was found to be present. Therefore, prevalence of hypertension was found to be significantly higher in overweight/obese adolescents compared to lean individuals. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) had a stronger correlation with BMI than diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Gender was not a significant risk factor for development of hypertension. Conclusions Pre-hypertension/hypertension and overweight/obesity, combined and independently, have a high prevalence in South African students. Therefore, almost half of adolescents included in this study are at risk for CVDs. Results confirm the need for preventive screening for hypertension in adolescents. To prevent a high incidence of CVDs, intervention strategies are needed. Further longitudinal studies are required to determine the impact of these cardiovascular risk factors into adulthood.