Body adiposity measures and risk of adolescent hypertension among the postpubescents Northeast India

Am J Hum Biol. 2022 Apr;34(4):e23675. doi: 10.1002/ajhb.23675. Epub 2021 Sep 9.

Abstract

Objectives: The present study attempts to associate and predict adolescent hypertension in Northeast India through body adiposity measures.

Method: A total of 728 adolescents aged 15 years and above were included in the present study after consent. Blood pressure and related anthropometric data were collected. The prevalence rate was calculated. Significant tests and correlation analyses were conducted between the blood pressure parameters and anthropometric body adiposity measures. The odds ratio (OR) was also calculated to assess the likelihood of risks. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to find the measured parameters' predictive cut-off values.

Results: The prevalence of adolescent hypertension is 29.12%, and elevated blood pressure is 20.47%. Boys are more hypertensive than girls. Obese adolescents are more prone to hypertension. Overweight, obese, and abdominal volume index (AVI) has 2.31, 5.15, and 3.41 OR to develop hypertension significantly, irrespective of gender. Among the boys, waist circumference (WC), AVI, and waist to height ratio (WHtR) significantly correlate with hypertension at adjusted for age; they are better predictors with area under curve (AUC) value reach 0.7. Among the females, the BMI reaches AUC 0.7, making it a better assessment for hypertension.

Conclusion: The study highlights the concerns of adolescent hypertension among Northeast Indian adolescents, which needs attention. More studies in different regions must be conducted to understand the problem's crux to enable health policymakers to promote adolescent health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adiposity*
  • Adolescent
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension* / epidemiology
  • Hypertension* / etiology
  • India / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Obesity
  • ROC Curve
  • Risk Factors
  • Waist Circumference
  • Waist-Height Ratio