Influence of Nutritional Status on the Physical Aptitudes and Cardiovascular Profiles of School Children in Rural and Urban Areas of North Cameroon

Aim: This work was aimed at determining the influence of nutritional status on physical aptitudes and cardiovascular profiles of children in rural and urban areas of North Cameroon.

Experimental Design: The study was a cross-sectional survey.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Cameroon from February to March 2014.

Methodology: Overall, 633 children aged 6-17 years were enrolled into the study. Demographic information was recorded. Weight, height, cardiovascular profiles [heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP)] and physical aptitudes [six minutes walk (6MWT), broad jump (BJ), 30 m dash] were evaluated.

Results: Prevalence values of malnutrition and hypertension were 3.3% and 0.31% respectively. HR was significantly higher in males (P<0.001), children aged 6-10 years (P=0.001) and those from urban areas (P<0.001) when compared with their respective counterparts. DBP was significantly higher in children aged >10years (P=0.01) and normonourished children (P=0.014) than their respective counterparts. SBP was higher in children aged >10 years than those aged 6-10 years and the difference was significant (P<0.001). The mean 6MWT and mean BJ were significantly higher (P<0.001) in children aged >10 years and those from rural areas (P<0.001) than their respective counterparts. The mean time taken to do the 30 m dash was significantly higher (P = 0.001) in children from rural areas (6.15±0.06 sec), than those from urban areas (5.86±0.22 sec). There was a negative correlation between the HR and mean BJ (P<0.001), HR and mean 6MWT (P <0.001), SBP and mean time for 30 m dash (P <0.001), DBP and 30 m dash (P<0.001) in the normonourished children. There was a positive correlation between HR and 30 m dash (P<0.001), SBP and BJ (P<0.001) as well as DBP and BJ (P<0.001) in normonourished children.

Conclusion: A weak correlation was registered between the nutritional status, physical and cardiovascular parameters of the school children.