Relationship between obesity and hypertension among elementary school children in Zagazig city

ABSTRACT

Obesity is a complex multifactorial disease which is independently related to cultural, economic and social parameters. Hypertension is the most common complication of childhood obesity. This study was undertaken with the aim of assessing the prevalence of obesity among primary school children and detecting the factors leading to obesity and predisposing to the occurrence of hypertension. This study was conducted at four elementary schools at Zagazig City, Sharkia Governorate. A total random sample of 200 elementary school children was included after fulfilling the criteria of selection. Two tools for data collection were used, they included a questionnaire sheet and a clinical assessment sheet. The study results revealed a high prevalence of obesity among the elementary school children. Consumption of high fat diet, highly carbohydrate preparations, TV viewing, sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity are important contributing factors to obesity and increase its prevalence among the children. Social, behavioral and environmental factors such as low social class and low educational level of the parents had an important role in increasing the prevalence of obesity among the school age children. Obesity is also associated with hypertension, increased with the increasing grades of obesity among the children aged 6-12 years and the relation was statistically significant. Based on the findings of this study, periodic check up of blood pressure, nutritional programs and nutritional counseling to the students and teachers to improve the students' nutritional awareness inside and outside the schools is highly recommended