Oscillometric blood pressure profile and anthropometric indices among healthy school children in ilorin, North-central Nigeria

• Main Authors: Olayinka Rasheed Ibrahim, Olanrewaju Timothy Adedoyin, Ayodele Ojuawo, Joseph K Afolabi, Olugbenga A Mokuolu, Mohammed B Abdulkadir
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2018-01-01
• Series: Saudi Journal for Health Sciences
• Subjects: Anthropometric indices; blood pressure; Nigeria; oscillometric; school children
• Online Access: http://www.saudijhealthsci.org/article.asp?issn=2278-0521;year=2018;volume=7;issue=2;spage=101;epage=106;aulast=Ibrahim

Context: Oscillometric devices are preferred method for measuring blood pressure (BP) among children. Aims: This study measured BP among school-age children using a validated oscillometric device (Omron 705 IT®) and correlated the findings with the anthropometric parameters, with a view to determine the predictors of BP. Settings and Design: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study. A multistage stratified random sampling technique was used in the selection of pupils from primary schools in Ilorin, Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: Two serial BPs were measured used using Omron 705 IT® with appropriate cuffs using “the fourth report” guideline and standard methods were used for measurement of anthropometrics. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: A total of 1745 primary school-aged children comprising of 873 males and 872 females were recruited. Anthropometric parameters were comparable between males and females. Mean systolic and diastolic BPs were 103.8 ± 11.0 mmHg and 61.3 ± 8.4 mmHg, respectively. Mean systolic BP was lower in males compared with females (102.9 ± 10.6 mmHg vs. 104.7 ± 11.3 mmHg, respectively,P= 0.001). Mean diastolic BP in males was lower compared with females (60.7 ± 8.3 mmHg vs. 61.8 ± 8.5 mmHg, P= 0.009). Most of the anthropometric parameters correlated with the BPs. Independent predictor of BP was weight, height, and body mass index (BMI), P < 0.001. Conclusions: There was a weak correlation between the oscillometric BPs and anthropometric parameters with weight, height, and BMI been the independent predictors of BP.