[In Process Citation].

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Cardiovascular Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Obesity and physical inactivity are established hypertension risk factors in adults.
• Limited evidence exists on these factors' impact on childhood hypertension.
• Understanding ethnic disparities in pediatric hypertension is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between nutritional status, physical activity, and ethnicity with hypertension levels in schoolchildren aged 6-13.
• To identify ethnic differences in hypertension prevalence and risk factors among Chilean schoolchildren.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 418 schoolchildren (311 European, 107 Mapuche).
• Standardized measurements of weight, height, Body Mass Index (BMI), and blood pressure.
• Statistical analysis to compare groups and assess risk factors.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in BMI or nutritional status between ethnic groups.
• Mapuche schoolchildren exhibited significantly higher prevalence of prehypertension (21.3%) and hypertension (28.9%) compared to European descendants (11.1% and 18.6%, respectively).
• Mapuche ethnicity was associated with increased risk of prehypertension/hypertension (OR: 1.92). Hypertension prevalence increased with higher BMI and lower physical activity in both groups.

Conclusions:

• Children of Mapuche descent face a higher risk of developing prehypertension or hypertension than European descendants.
• Obesity and physical inactivity significantly elevate hypertension risk in both ethnic groups.
• Targeted interventions addressing lifestyle factors are needed to mitigate hypertension risk in vulnerable pediatric populations.