High Blood Pressure amongst Adolescents in Lagos, South West Nigeria

Adolescent high blood pressure (HBP), now a growing significant health problem with lasting consequences on cardiovascular health, was considered rare at a time. Several end-organ complications could occur if this asymptomatic condition is uncontrolled, and tracks into adulthood. The 2004 Fourth Report was developed to address the cumbersome challenges in the detection of adolescent hypertension.

Aims: This study sought to determine high blood pressure prevalence amongst adolescents in Mushin Local Government Area (LGA) using the 2004 Fourth report.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Fourteen secondary schools, in Mushin Local Government Area (LGA) between August 2020 and December 2020.

Methodology: A two-stage sampling method was utilized in selecting 14 secondary schools. Within selected schools; participants were recruited from each class by proportional allocation using the school’s register. Students were stratified as males and females using the class register. Subjects were selected from each stratum by simple random sampling method. We included 1490, (744 male, 746 female), 10-19 years old students. A structured proforma was used to obtain socio-demographic information and relevant clinical data. The blood pressure measurements were taken according to standard protocol (elevated blood pressure is systolic and/or diastolic pressure ≥ 90th but ≤ 95th percentile for age, gender and height). Descriptive data was used to describe socio-demographic and anthropometric characteristics. Frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation were used to summarize categorical and numerical variables. P-values of 0.5 was termed significant

Results: Among the 1490 subjects, 49.9% (744) were male and 50.1% (746) females (male: female ratio was 1: 1). Prevalence, of high blood pressure, elevated pressure and hypertension were 14.5% (number =216), 6.1% (number =92), and 8.4% (number =124). The prevalence of high blood pressure rose progressively with the age group in the early and mid adolescent age group, while the prevalence was lowest in the oldest age group.

Conclusions: Adolescent hypertension, elevated blood pressure, high blood pressure, prevalence, was high. Development of cardiovascular complications could be obviated by early detection, life style modification and treatment.