PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH OBESITY AMONG CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN 12YEARS AND 16YEARS - A CROSS-SECTIONAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Childhood obesity and hypertension are emerging public health concerns worldwide, particularly in developing countries undergoing rapid urbanization and lifestyle transitions. Hypertension in childhood often remains undiagnosed because it is usually asymptomatic, yet it has significant long-term cardiovascular implications. Early identification of elevated blood pressure and associated risk factors such as obesity is therefore essential. Limited regionspecific data are available regarding the burden of paediatric hypertension and its association with obesity in school-aged children in India, necessitating local studies to guide preventive strategies. Objective: To determine the prevalence of hypertension among school children aged 12–16 years and to assess the association between hypertension and obesity in the study population. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional observational study conducted among 466 children aged 12 years–16 years. Participants were selected according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria after obtaining informed consent and institutional approval. Anthropometric measurements including height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were recorded using standardized techniques. Blood pressure was measured using appropriate cuff size and standard protocols, and 3 blood pressure readings were taken. Children were categorized into BMI groups (underweight, normal, overweight, and obese) based on standard growth references. Blood pressure classification was performed according to paediatric guidelines. Demographic details, family history of hypertension, and socioeconomic variables were collected using a structured proforma. Data were entered and analysed using statistical methods to determine prevalence and associations, with significance assessed using appropriate tests. Results: The study included 466 participants, with a mean age of approximately 13.95 ± 1.39 years. Females constituted 54.9% of the sample, while males accounted for 45.1%. More than half of the children (51.9%) had normal BMI, while 26.2% were overweight, 13.3% were obese, and 8.6% were underweight. The prevalence of hypertension was 4.3%, while the majority (95.7%) had normal blood pressure. Prevalence of hypertension in obese children's is 9.7% and prevalence of hypertension in non-obese children's is 3.5%. A statistically significant association was observed between BMI category and blood pressure classification, with overweight and obese children showing higher rates of hypertension. Family. History of hypertension also demonstrated a significant relationship with elevated blood pressure. However, variables such as age, sex, socioeconomic status, and residence did not show statistically significant associations in this study. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the prevalence hypertension is present in 4.3% of school children and is significantly associated with BMI. These findings highlight the growing burden of lifestyle-related disorders in the paediatric population. Early screening of school children for hypertension and obesity may help to identify the high-risk group to prevent further complications. Health education, promotion of physical activity, and nutritional interventions in schools are essential to prevent long-term cardiovascular morbidity. Collaborative efforts involving parents, schools, healthcare providers, and policy makers are crucial to address childhood obesity and hypertension effectively.