FREQUENCY OF ELEVATED BLOOD PRESSURE ASSOCIATED WITH LIFESTYLE CHOICES AMONG SCHOOL GOING ADOLESCENTS IN KARACHI: A CROSS SECTIONAL SURVEY

Background: Studies have suggested that atherosclerotic changes take place in the body since childhood due to altered dietary patterns and sedentary lifestyle. It is critical to identify gap areas and update current literature to produce effective changes in our lifestyle. Study design: A cross-sectional survey conducted among school going adolescents in Karachi. Methods: A cross sectional study was performed in three different schools of Karachi. A sample size of 288 was drawn through non-probability, purposive sampling technique. Students were given a questionnaire comprising of questions regarding their physical activity levels, dietary patterns and knowledge regarding blood pressure. Blood pressure and Body Mass Index data was also recorded. Results: Mean age of participants was around 14. Of the 288 students that participated in this study (122 boys and 166 girls), 227 were normal for hypertension status (93 boys and 134 girls), 27 were pre-hypertensive (7 boys and 20 girls), and 34 were hypertensive (22 boys and 12 girls). Mean systolic blood pressure was approximately 112.73, and mean diastolic blood pressure was approximately 71.25. Awareness among participants was high regarding hypertension being linked to the foods they consumed (62.8%). Conclusion: Our study did not show strong correlation between physical activity and dietary patterns, with status of hypertension. Screening programs should be conducted in schools to monitor blood pressure and body mass index. High risk groups should be approached and advised for lifestyle modification.