The tryst between obesity and blood pressure among school children in Northern Emirate – A cross-sectional study

Jhancy Malay; Suresh Kumar Srinivasamurthy; Rana Aly Mohamed Elbeshbeishy; Grisilda Vidya Bernardt; Shehla Shafi Khan; Hesham Amin Hamdy Elshamly

Jhancy Malay Department of Paediatrics, RAK College of Medicine, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Suresh Kumar Srinivasamurthy Department of Pharmacology, RAK College of Medicine, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Rana Aly Mohamed Elbeshbeishy Department of Anatomy, RAK College of Medicine, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Grisilda Vidya Bernardt Department of Biochemistry, RAK College of Medicine, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Shehla Shafi Khan Department of Psychiatry, RAK College of Medicine, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Hesham Amin Hamdy Elshamly Department of Surgery, RAK College of Medicine, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates

Keywords: childhood obesity, hypertension, lifestyle, body mass index, school-going children

Abstract

Childhood hypertension is a rising concern and a known predictor of adult cardiovascular issues. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension and its association with BMI among school children aged 10–14 years in Ras Al Khaimah. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in schools in Ras Al Khaimah over four months using convenience sampling. Children aged 10–14 years, with parental consent, were included. Data on BMI and BP were collected using standardized instruments. SPSS software was used to analyze the data. The study analyzed 296 children (137 males, 159 females) with a mean age of 11.95±1.28 years. Normal BMI was observed in 76%, while 13.5% were obese. Hypertension was present in 23.3% of children, with a significant association between high BMI and hypertension (Chi-square=12.17, p<0.05). Mean BP correlated strongly with SBP (r=0.84) and DBP (r=0.93) and moderately with BMI (r=0.41), all statistically significant (p<0.05). The study revealed a significant link between high BMI and hypertension in children, with 23.3% exhibiting elevated blood pressure. These findings support early screening and school-based interventions to prevent long-term health risks.