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Blood pressure profile in Nigerian children
L J Hamidu1, E O Okoro, M A Ali
1Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
East African Medical Journal
|July 16, 2003
Summary
Blood pressure (BP) in Nigerian children increases with age. Place of residence and ethnicity significantly influence BP patterns, even in early childhood.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Blood pressure (BP) patterns in children are influenced by various factors.
- Understanding these patterns is crucial for early detection of hypertension.
- Limited data exists on BP correlates in Nigerian children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the blood pressure (BP) patterns in primary school children in northern Nigeria.
- To identify factors associated with BP variations in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 1,721 healthy children aged 5-16 years.
- Sitting BP and pulse were measured, along with body weight and height.
- Data was collected from primary schools in three distinct communities in Zaria LGA, Nigeria.
Main Results:
- BP increased with age in all children studied.
- Systolic BP was highest in children from an urban university community (Tudun Wada), followed by semi-urban (Zaria City) and rural (Zaria Kewaye) settings.
- BP differences were observed from age five and appeared independent of physical stature and gender.
Conclusions:
- Place of residence and ethnicity may play a significant role in BP progression with age among Nigerian children.
- These findings highlight the need for context-specific public health interventions.
- Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms.