Blood pressure pattern and the relationship with body mass index among apparently healthy secondaryschool students in Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria

Background. Childhood obesity may result in the premature onset of cardiovascular risk factors, particularly hypertension, hence the need for proper screening. However, blood pressure (BP) is measured only once in most studies in Nigeria, probably because of difficulties in returning to the study areas for repeat measurement.Objective. To determine the BP pattern and assess its relationship with body mass index (BMI) in apparently healthy secondary-school students aged 10 - 18 years in Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria.Methods. This study was descriptive and cross-sectional, and carried out between 13 October 2014 and 30 January 2015. In total, 800students from 6 schools were selected through multistage sampling. BP was measured on three separate days according to the National High Blood Pressure Education Program charts. BMI was categorised according to the Centers for Disease Control charts. The relationship of BP level with BMI was determined.Results. There were 424 (53.0%) males and 376 (47.0%) females, with a ratio of approximately 1:1. BP increased with age. The mean systolic and diastolic BP was significantly higher in females than males (systolic 113.1 mmHg v. 110.5 mmHg, and diastolic 69.0 mmHg v. 66.5 mmHg, respectively; p=0.01). Females had a higher mean BMI than males (18.7 kg/m2 v. 17.9 kg/m2, respectively; p<0.01). BP increased as the BMI percentile increased (p<0.001). The prevalence rates of hypertension were 6.1%, 3.5% and 3.1% at the first, second and third screenings, respectively, while the corresponding prevalence rates of prehypertension were 14.3%, 8.4% and 7.1%. The prevalence of obesity and overweight was 0.3% and 5.9%, respectively.Conclusion. The prevalence rate of prehypertension and hypertension reduced with subsequent measurements, and the prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were low. However, higher BP levels were associated with higher BMI, supporting its predictive significance for elevated BP

Identifying Modifiable Socio-demographic Risk Factors for Severe Hyperbilirubinaemia in Late Preterm and Term Babies in Abuja, Nigeria.

Background: Severe neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia remains an important cause of neonatal admissions in Nigeria, often giving rise to irreversible neurotoxicity. Access to effective phototherapy is restricted to a few centers while salvage therapy with exchange blood transfusion may occur too late to reverse acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE). Aim: We set out to identify modifiable socio-demographic risk factors for severe neonatal jaundice in babies of ≥34 week gestation at the National Hospital Abuja. Methodology: Late preterm and term babies admitted into Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) with jaundice from April 2014 to May 2015 were consecutively recruited into the study with parental consent. Socio-demographic information, history of common risk factors for neonatal jaundice and results of laboratory investigations were obtained for statistical analysis. Jaundice was classified as severe (≥ 20 mg/dl) or non-severe (10-19 mgdl). Bivariate and multiple logistic regressions were carried out to determine the significance of associations between risk factors and severity of jaundice. Results: A total of 123 babies were seen with an Inborn/Out born ratio of 1:2.3. Eighty two percent were term. Severe Jaundice accounted for 43(35%). The mean TSB for babies with severe jaundice was 29.1(9.6) mg/dl while that of controls was 16.9(5.9) mg/dl, (p=0.000). There was no significant difference in the distribution of primary risk factors (ABO/Rh incompatibility, sepsis, G6PD deficiency and concealed haemorrhage) among severe and non-severe groups. Among investigated secondary risk factors, late presentation (P=0.043), being out born (OR=0.164 95% CF=0.054-0.504), vaginal delivery (p=0.012), prematurity (OR=2.233 95% CF=1.051-4.740) and maternal education (p=0.017) were significantly associated with severe jaundice. Over 98% of the mothers had antenatal care while 91% delivered in hospitals/clinics. Thirty two (26%) had signs of acute bilirubin encephalopathy and exchange blood transfusion was done in 50 (40.7%) babies. Recommendation: There is a need to refocus preventive strategies on modifiable risk factors, increasing awareness about the consequences of neonatal jaundice and the essence of early identification as well as prompt hospital presentation.