PREVALENCE OF SYSTEMIC HYPERTENSION IN OUTPATIENT CHILDREN AT TISHREEN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Ibraheem Jraikoos, MD*, Ahmad Chreitah, PhD and Sulieman Sulieman, PhD

ABSTRACT

Background: High blood pressure is a significant global health concern, gaining increasing importance due to its numerous complications. Hypertension in childhood may be a predictive factor for its development in adulthood. Early identification and management of high blood pressure in children are crucial for preventing cardiovascular complications that often arise in early adulthood. Objective: determine the prevalence of high blood pressure among children attending the general pediatric clinic at Tishreen University Hospital. It will also investigate the correlation between high blood pressure in children and both obesity and a family history of high blood pressure. Materials and Methods: In a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted at Tishreen University Hospital, the prevalence of high blood pressure among children attending the general pediatric clinic was investigated from September 2022 to September 2023. The study involved measuring arterial blood pressure and categorizing it based on the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, which included Normal Pressure, Elevated Pressure, Stage 1 Hypertension, and Stage 2 Hypertension. Additionally, height and weight measurements were taken to calculate body mass index (BMI). The study aimed to determine the prevalence of high blood pressure and explore the relationship between high blood pressure, obesity, and a family history of hypertension. Statistical analysis utilized IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 25) to analyze the data and draw meaningful conclusions. Results: Over the study period, 1,200 children aged 5 to 15 visited the general pediatric clinic. The majority (93.4%) were classified as having normal weight based on their BMI, while a smaller proportion (6.6%) were categorized as obese. A family history of hypertension was identified in 4.4% of the children. Following arterial blood pressure measurements, 93% of children had normal blood pressure, 3.1% had elevated blood pressure, 3.7% had Stage 1 hypertension, and 0.2% had Stage 2 hypertension. The prevalence of abnormal arterial pressure was 7%, leading to referrals for follow-up and further investigations to manage high blood pressure levels. The statistical analysis revealed significant associations between elevated arterial blood pressure, body mass index, and a family history of hypertension. Specifically, a higher percentage of obese children exhibited abnormal arterial blood pressure, and there were significant differences related to a family history of hypertension and abnormal arterial pressure. Conclusion: High blood pressure in children is a growing public health concern with increasing prevalence. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent the development of serious complications later in life.

Keywords: Prevalence, Systemic Hypertension, Children.