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Tracking of blood pressure and anthropometric measures in Nigerian children
L L Adams-Campbell1, F A Ukoli, J A Silverman
1Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, PA.
Insights
Blood pressure tracking in Nigerian children shows systolic pressure is more stable than diastolic. Weight measurements were the most consistent predictor of future blood pressure in this pediatric cohort.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Cardiovascular Research
- Anthropometry
Background:
- Childhood blood pressure and anthropometric measures are critical health indicators.
- Understanding the persistence of these measures is vital for early identification of cardiovascular risk.
- Longitudinal tracking data in African pediatric populations is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the one-year tracking of blood pressure (BP) and anthropometric measures in Nigerian children.
- To determine the correlation between baseline anthropometry and subsequent BP levels.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 208 Nigerian children aged 6-17 years was studied over one year.
- Blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) and anthropometric measures (weight, skinfolds) were recorded.
- Correlation coefficients (r) were calculated to assess tracking and associations.
Main Results:
- Systolic blood pressure showed better tracking (r = 0.52–0.72) than diastolic BP (r = 0.25–0.55).
- Weight demonstrated the strongest tracking correlation (r = 0.88–0.97), while skinfolds had the weakest (r = 0.54–0.82).
- Baseline height and weight were significantly correlated with blood pressure one year later in both sexes.
Conclusions:
- Blood pressure and anthropometric measures exhibit moderate to strong persistence over one year in Nigerian children.
- Weight is a key anthropometric indicator for predicting future blood pressure in this population.
- Findings highlight the importance of monitoring BP and anthropometry for cardiovascular health in childhood.
Abstract:
Persistence in ranks (tracking) for blood pressure and anthropometric measures over a one year period was examined in 208 Nigerian children (age 6-17 years). Systolic blood pressure tracked better than diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.52 to 0.72) and r = 0.25 to 0.55, respectively). For systolic blood pressure, 56.5%-70.6% of the Nigerian children remained in the top tertile after one year compared with 45.5%-69.2% for diastolic blood pressure. Weight showed the strongest correlation over the one year period (r = 0.88 to 0.97), whereas skinfolds demonstrated the weakest association (r = 0.54 to 0.82). The association between anthropometric measures at baseline and blood pressure one year later revealed for both males and females that height and weight were positively and significantly correlated with blood pressure.
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