Among Malaysian adolescents, hypertension had a prevalence of 24.5% and was significantly associated with elevated Body Mass Index (AOR 4.053) and waist circumference (AOR 2.918).
Cross-Sectional (n=273)
Yes
Hypertension is highly prevalent (24.5%) among Malaysian adolescents and is strongly associated with increased BMI and waist circumference, highlighting the need for early screening.
Odds Ratio: 4.053 (95% CI 1.677–9.795)
Absolute Event Rate: 58.4% vs 13.9%
p-value: p=0.002
Introduction: Evidence has shown an increase in paediatric hypertension globally and this could give rise to increase prevalence of adult hypertension. The purpose of this paper was to determine the prevalence of hypertension among adolescents in Malaysia as well as the association between hypertension and lifestyle factors selected based on published literature. Methods: Adolescents aged 13-17 years old were selected randomly from two secondary schools to have their blood pressure measured. Their lifestyle information was obtained through completed bilingual questionnaires based on validated instruments, as well as anthropometry measurements. The relationship between hypertension and lifestyle factors was determined through statistical analysis. Results: A total of 273 students were included in the study with 120 (44%) males and 153 (56%) females. The prevalence of hypertension was 24.5% among the respondents with the highest being recorded among Malays (28.7%). Generally, hypertension was associated with an increased Body Mass Index (BMI) (AOR=4.053, 95%CI=1.677-9.795, p=0.002) and waist circumference (WC) (AOR=2.918, 95%CI=1.171-7.269, p=0.021) in all respondents. Similar associations were noted in females (BMI: AOR=7.707, 95%CI=2.043-29.072, p=0.003; WC: AOR=3.690, 95%CI=1.011-13.464, p=0.048) but not in males. Conclusion: Hypertension recorded high prevalence among Malaysian adolescents in our study. The strong association between elevated body weight, BMI and WC with hypertension may require further study to evaluate the need for screening
JK et al. (Fri,) conducted a cross-sectional in Hypertension (n=273). Elevated Body Mass Index (≥85th percentile) vs. Normal Body Mass Index (<85th percentile) was evaluated on Hypertension prevalence associated with elevated BMI (AOR 4.053, 95% CI 1.677-9.795, p=0.002). Among Malaysian adolescents, hypertension had a prevalence of 24.5% and was significantly associated with elevated Body Mass Index (AOR 4.053) and waist circumference (AOR 2.918).