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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Hypertension and correlates among Montenegrin schoolchildren-a cross-sectional study
M Martinovic1, G Belojevic2, G W Evans3
1Medical Faculty, Department for Pathophysiology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro.
Public Health
|April 14, 2017
Summary
Childhood hypertension affects 10% of Montenegrin schoolchildren. Obesity and rural living increase hypertension risk, while older age decreases it. This study highlights key factors impacting pediatric blood pressure.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric cardiology
- Public health research
- Childhood obesity studies
Background:
- Childhood hypertension (CH) is a growing concern globally.
- Limited data exists on CH prevalence in Eastern European nations.
- This study addresses a gap in understanding CH in Montenegro.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of childhood hypertension in Montenegro.
- To identify sociodemographic and environmental correlates of CH.
- To establish baseline data for future interventions.
Main Methods:
- A national cross-sectional study involving 3254 children aged 7-13 years.
- Data collection included questionnaires, nutritional status assessment (International Obesity Task Force criteria), waist circumference, and blood pressure measurements.
- Childhood hypertension defined as SBP/DBP ≥ 95th percentile for age, sex, and height.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of childhood hypertension was 10.4%, with no significant gender disparity.
- Each additional year of age was associated with a 10% decrease in hypertension odds.
- Rural environment (38% increase) and childhood obesity (68% increase) significantly raised hypertension odds.
Conclusions:
- Approximately 1 in 10 Montenegrin schoolchildren exhibit hypertension.
- Childhood obesity and rural residence are significant risk factors for hypertension.
- Findings underscore the need for targeted public health strategies addressing these factors.
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