Prevalence and lifestyle correlates of adolescent hypertension in North India: a community and hospital-based cross-sectional study

Shaik Aalam; Ekansh Rathoria; Saurabh Kumar Singh; Jitendra Kumar Singh; Utkarsh Bansal; Richa Rathoria

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20264188

Authors

Shaik Aalam Department of Pediatrics, Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, India
Ekansh Rathoria Department of Pediatrics, Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2078-4810
Saurabh Kumar Singh Department of Pediatrics, Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, India
Jitendra Kumar Singh Department of Pediatrics, Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, India
Utkarsh Bansal Department of Pediatrics, Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, India
Richa Rathoria Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20264188

Keywords:

Adolescent hypertension, Anthropometry, Blood pressure, Cardiometabolic risk, Dietary habits, Elevated blood pressure, Lifestyle factors, Psychosocial factors

Abstract

Background: Adolescent hypertension is an emerging public health concern associated with adult cardiovascular morbidity. Data on adolescent blood pressure and its determinants in rural and semi-urban North India remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and assess its socio-demographic, lifestyle, psychosocial, and anthropometric correlates among adolescents in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 387 adolescents aged 10-19 years. Socio-demographic, dietary, physical activity, and psychosocial data were collected using structured questionnaires. Anthropometric indices using WHO BMI-for-age Z-scores were assessed. Blood pressure (BP) was measured using calibrated oscillometric devices and classified per AAP pediatric guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS v26.0, employing Chi-square tests for bivariate analysis. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results: The mean age was 14.48±2.99 years. Overall prevalence of hypertension was 4.9% (19/387), while 9.3% (36/387) exhibited elevated BP. Hypertension occurred exclusively among overweight (9.3%) and obese (24.4%) adolescents (χ²=79.199, p<0.001). Frequent fast-food consumption (p<0.001), daily carbonated drink intake (p<0.001), inadequate physical activity (p<0.001), screen-based sedentary behaviour (p<0.001), tobacco chewing (p<0.001), smoking (p<0.001), positive family history of hypertension (p=0.008), and sleep disturbances (p<0.001) were significantly associated with blood pressure categories.

Conclusions: Hypertension and elevated BP pose a notable burden among adolescents in Sitapur. Adiposity, physical inactivity, screen time, unhealthy diet, family history, and sleep disruption were key determinants. School health screenings and lifestyle modification programs are urgently needed.

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