Cardiovascular risk prevalence among diverse school-age children: implications for schools.
Cardiovascular risk reduction programs in school-aged populations must be based on accurate assessments of risk. This cross-sectional, descriptive study presents the prevalence of cardiovascular risk with respect to blood pressure, obesity, and fitness in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade children. School nursing research assistants conducted 358 interviews and clinical risk assessments with children and their parents. A total of 180 children (53%) were found to have one or more cardiovascular risk factors. Our findings of a high level of risk illustrate the need for school nurses to take a leadership role to reduce risk and foster "heart-healthy" school environments.
Cowell
J M
JM
University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Nursing, USA.
Warren
J S
JS
Montgomery
A C
AC
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D002641:Chicago / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012573:School Nursing