Factors contributing to increase blood pressure level among primary school children

Darwish, Azza Mostafa; Bahgat, Rahma Soliman; Noman, Ehsan

doi:10.21608/tsnj.2012.107806

Factors contributing to increase blood pressure level among primary school children

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Professor of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University

² Professor of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University

³ B.Sc.N Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University

10.21608/tsnj.2012.107806

Abstract

Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. Hypertension is the most common disease specific for seeking medical care. This study aims to identify factors contributing to increased blood pressure level among primary school children in ElMahala ElKobra .The study was conducted at the primary governmental schools for children in ElMahala ElKobra (15 schools from East zone and 10 schools from West zone) .The total numbers of the students in tow zones are expected to be approximately 1000 (Boys and Girls). Three tools were developed by the researcher in order to obtain the necessary data for the study
Questionnaire sheet. Physical assessment, Anthropometric measurement sheet. Blood pressure measurement. Urine analysis for the primary school children. The results showed that mean level blood pressure measurements of the students, it was found that 4% of the primary school children had a mean level of hypertension 130.75±22.36mm Hg. Significant differences were found between the age of primary school children and their mean level blood pressure measurements. Significant differences were founded between mean level of blood pressure measurement and standard body mass index (BMI) of primary school children. From the present study it can be concluded that there are many factors increasing blood pressure level of the primary school children, which include controllable factors as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, stress, nutritional habits, and uncontrollable factors as age, gender, medical and family history. It is recommended to improve students’ knowledge about factors contributing to hypertension and its complication. Health education and counseling of primary school children and their mother should include feeding habits, hygiene, exercises, recreational activities and measurements of blood pressure

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