Blood pressure patterns among primary school children in Alexandria

The present study was conducted to illustrate the patterns of blood pressure among primary school children in Alexandria and to study some biological and socioeconomic factors determining these normal levels. Using the proportional allocation method, a total sample of 605 students was selected to represent the 6 zones of Alexandria. A purposive sample of 100 pupils was also selected to represent non governmental students of high socioeconomic level. For each child, two blood pressure readings, taken 5 minutes apart, were recorded and the means were calculated. The percentile distribution of blood pressure values was determined. The results revealed that there was a gradual increase in the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure with increasing age, with a statistically significant difference between the youngest and eldest age groups. No significant difference was detected for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in both sexes. A variety of socioeconomic and biological factors was involved in the determination of the normal levels of blood pressure. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that the most important were salt consumption, positive family history of hypertension, age, and physical exercise. It is recommended that blood pressure should be measured as a routine in the comprehensive medical examination of school children and plotted on the percentile charts in order to determine whether the child is tracking in a favorable direction or not