Pattern of Blood Pressure in apparently Healthy Nigerian Children aged 1-5 years

Summary Background: Hypertension causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. As has been reported, the levels of blood pressure (BP) in childhood are the strongest predictors of adult levels. Hitherto, most studies of childhood BP in Nigeria have involved school-age children and adolescents. Objectives: In order to provide information on BP in younger children, this study was undertaken to determine the pattern and correlates of BP in apparently healthy under-five children in Ibadan. Design: Cross sectional study Methods: Using a stratified multi-stage random sampling method, the BPs of 984 apparently healthy Nigerian children (507 males, 477 females) aged one to five years, recruited from day care centres, nurseries and primary schools in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, were measured with a standard mercury sphygmomanometer. Results: The mean (SD) systolic BP, diastolic BP-IV and Vincreased from 85.3 (7.5) mm Hg, 50.7 (12.9) mmHg and 34.6 (23.0) mmHg, respectively in the 12-23-month age group to 90.7 (9.0) mmHg, 57.2 (10.4) mmHg and 43.5 (18.8) mmHg respectively, in the 48-60-month age group (p0.05). Blood pressure correlated positively with age (r=0.2668, p=0.000), weight (r=0.345, p=0.000) and height (r=0.370, p=0.000) but negatively with Quetelet Index (r= -0.084, p=0.008), Ponderal Index (r= -0.256, p=0.000) and socioeconomic class (r= -0.099, p=0.002). There was no significant relationship between the children's and parental BPs. The prevalence of systolic and diastolic hypertension, using the epidemiological definition of 'BP 295th percentile for the population studied' was 3.2 percent and 1.7 percent, respectively. Conclusions: Among the under-five children studied, BP correlated positively with age and anthropometry. Gender differences were not demonstrated and no relationship was observed between the children's BP and that of their parents.