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Prevalence of elevated blood pressure in Hispanic versus non-Hispanic 6th graders

Patricia A Tarlton1

  • 1Seminole County Public Schools, Sanford, FL, USA.

The Journal of School Nursing : the Official Publication of the National Association of School Nurses
|January 27, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Hispanic students in Florida showed higher rates of obesity and elevated blood pressure. While obesity was a significant factor, the link between Hispanic ethnicity and high blood pressure lessened when adjusted for obesity.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Public Health
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Obesity and elevated blood pressure are significant health concerns in school-aged children.
  • Disparities in health outcomes among ethnic groups warrant investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the prevalence of obesity and elevated blood pressure among 6th-grade students in Seminole County, Florida.
  • To examine ethnic differences, particularly in the Hispanic population, regarding these health indicators.

Main Methods:

  • Blood pressure and obesity screenings were conducted on 4,311 6th-grade students.
  • Data were analyzed to compare prevalence rates across different ethnic groups, including Hispanic and White students.
  • Statistical analysis was performed, including adjustments for obesity to assess its impact on elevated blood pressure.

Main Results:

  • Overall obesity prevalence was 21%, with a higher prevalence among Hispanic students (28.6%) compared to non-Hispanics (19.0%).
  • Elevated blood pressure prevalence was 1.9% overall, with Hispanics at 2.6% versus 1.6% for non-Hispanics.
  • The elevated blood pressure risk for Hispanics was significant compared to Whites but not when adjusted for obesity.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated blood pressure and obesity are present across all studied ethnic groups.
  • Hispanic students exhibit an elevated risk for both obesity and elevated blood pressure.
  • Obesity is a key factor influencing the association between Hispanic ethnicity and elevated blood pressure in this population.

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