Abstract

PREVALENCE OF PRE-HYPERTENSION AND HYPERTENSION AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN SAMTAH CITY, SAUDI ARABIA

Ali Madkhali*, Abdullah Sabai, Essam Himli, Samaher Mathkoor, Turky Gohal, Shaya Suwaydi, Maryam Al Sayar, Mohammed Sumayli, Laila Asiri, Amal Qaisi, Hussam Halawi, Taher Sumaili, Abdu Zuqayl, Yahia Daghriri and Amal Bajobier

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Abstract

Aim of the study: To assess the prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension and to identify risk factors for high blood pressure among adolescent students in secondary schools in Samtah city, Southwestern Region of Saudi Arabia. Subjects and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted to measure the blood pressure levels of 423 adolescents students in secondary schools in Samtah city. The study questionnaire included participants demographic and family history of hypertension, lifestyle behaviours, height, weight and blood pressure of all participant students were measured. Results: Prevalence of abnormal blood pressure (hypertension and prehypertension) among participant students were (9.2%). Prevalence of abnormal blood pressure was significantly higher among male students than female students (13.6% and 5.1%, respectively, p=0.004). Body mass index was associated with participants’ grades of blood pressure (p

Keywords: Hypertension, Adolescents, Students, Overweight, Obesity.