Undernutrition and Obesity Associated with High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents from João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence, correlation, and association of undernutrition and obesity with high blood pressure (HBP). One thousand five hundred seventy (1570) students (808 boys and 762 girls), aged 7-12 years, from João Pessoa, Paraíba (Northeastern Brazil) participated. Measurements of stature, body weight, skinfolds [triceps (TS) and subscapular (SS)], upper-arm circumference (UAC), upper-arm fat area (UAFE), total upper-arm area (TUAA), and BP were taken. Four criteria were adopted to classify undernutrition and obesity. HBP was defined as systolic BP (SBP) and/or diastolic BP (DBP) values >or=90th percentile. Analysis of covariance, Spearman's correlation, logistic regression, and multiple linear regression were used. In the logistic regression model, undernutrition was not associated with HBP; however, the chances of HBP increased when two or more obesity indicators were present [boys: odds ratio (OR) = 2.08, 95% confidence interval (CI 95%) = 1.26-3.41; girls: OR = 2.26, CI 95% = 1.44-3.55]. In the multiple regression, the BMI, SS, and UAFE explained 15% of the variance of high SBP (r (2) = 0.153) in boys, whereas the body mass index (BMI) and TUAA accounted for 16% of the variance of the SBP (r (2) = 0.166) in girls. The DBP was influenced by the SS in boys (r (2) = 0.022) and the TUAA (r ( 2 ) = 0.054) in girls. There was an association between obesity and HBP. The BMI, SS, and UAFE in boys and the BMI and TUAA in girls explained approximately 16% of elevated SBP.

Modifiable risk factors for overweight and obesity in children and adolescents from São Paulo, Brazil

“…The rising prevalence of childhood obesity in Brazil is a serious public health dilemma given its established link to chronic health disorders such as dyslipidemia and hypertension [7,15]. Given the regional variance in previous estimates of obesity in Brazilian youth [3-8], it is essential that we monitor the obesity trends in key populations.…”

Blood pressure and its associated factors among primary school children in suburban Selangor, Malaysia: A cross-sectional survey

“…Contrary to previous studies, there were no significant differences in SBP, DBP, and BMI according to sex, ethnicity, and income of the parents. [2125293132] Girls had a significantly lower WC than boys which is probably a biological phenomenon. The relatively small sample in our study may be a reason for not finding significant differences by ethnicity, gender, and income.…”

“…[818192024252627282930313233] Some studies have shown that obesity defined as body mass index (BMI) of ≥95 percentile based on gender and age does not correlate well with body fat distribution as compared with waist circumference (WC) which is more accurate in predicting abdominal mass, thus correlating better with hypertension in children. [2434] However, studies have consistently reported that elevated blood pressure (BP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) are significantly correlated with BMI.…”

“…[2434] However, studies have consistently reported that elevated blood pressure (BP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) are significantly correlated with BMI. [15161718192029313233] Some studies have investigated the association of childhood hypertension with skin fold thickness, hip circumference, birth weight, dietary habits, and family history of hypertension. [151820323334] The relationship of childhood hypertension with the total number of hours of sleep, physical activity, and dietary intake are seldom reported.…”

Prevalência de hipertensão arterial entre adolescentes escolares brasileiros : revisão sistemática e meta-análise

“…Todos os estudos incluídos na revisão dispunham de dados suficientes para compor a meta-análise. 16,17 , e os demais estudos a definiram pela segunda medida 27 , medida alterada 28 ou menor medida 34 . Um estudo não apresentou essa informação.…”