title: Prehypertension and Hypertension among Schoolchildren in Brazzaville, Congo.
abstract: Background. To determine the prevalence and associated factors of prehypertension (pre-HT) and hypertension (HT) in schoolchildren at Brazzaville (Congo). Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2011 in five representative urban schools in Brazzaville. American Pediatric Society's definition of pre-HT and HT was used. The measurement of blood pressure was obtained using auscultator method. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to establish associations between blood pressure levels and sociobiographical factors. Results. 603 children were included. The mean age was 11.8 ± 3.6 years (range 5-18 years). The prevalence of pre-HT was 20.7% (n = 125). Factors associated with pre-HT were secondary school (P = 0.02), private schools (P < 0.004), migrants (P = 0.03), the obese (P = 0.004), high socioeconomic level (P < 0.01), and overweight (P = 0.02). In logistic regression, the independent determinants of pre-HT were secondary school (P = 0.0001), migration (P = 0.04), obesity (P = 0.004), and overweight (P = 0.01). The prevalence of HT was 10.1% (n = 61) during the first screening and 3.3% (n = 20) in second screening. The independent determinants of HT were obesity (P = 0.0001) and overweight (P = 0.0001). Conclusion. Pre-HT and HT are emerging as a mass problem in Congolese schoolchildren with urban migration and overweight/obesity to be controlled and prevented.
authors: Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Brazzaville, BP 32, Brazzaville, Congo ; Department of Medecine, Faculty of Health Science, Marien Ngouabi University, BP 2672, Brazzaville, Congo.
authors: Bertrand Fikahem
authors: BF
authors: Ellenga Mbolla
authors: Department of Medecine, Faculty of Health Science, Marien Ngouabi University, BP 2672, Brazzaville, Congo ; Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Brazzaville, BP 32, Brazzaville, Congo.
authors: Annie Rachel
authors: AR
authors: Okoko
authors: Department of Medecine, Faculty of Health Science, Marien Ngouabi University, BP 2672, Brazzaville, Congo ; Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Brazzaville, BP 32, Brazzaville, Congo.
authors: Jean Robert
authors: JR
authors: Mabiala Babela
authors: Department of Medecine, Faculty of Health Science, Marien Ngouabi University, BP 2672, Brazzaville, Congo ; Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Brazzaville, BP 32, Brazzaville, Congo.
authors: Gaston
authors: G
authors: Ekouya Bowassa
authors: Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Brazzaville, BP 32, Brazzaville, Congo ; Department of Medecine, Faculty of Health Science, Marien Ngouabi University, BP 2672, Brazzaville, Congo.
authors: Thierry Raoul
authors: TR
authors: Gombet
authors: Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Brazzaville, BP 32, Brazzaville, Congo ; Department of Medecine, Faculty of Health Science, Marien Ngouabi University, BP 2672, Brazzaville, Congo.
authors: Suzy-Gisèle
authors: SG
authors: Kimbally-Kaky
authors: Faculty of Health Science,Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, P.O. Box 5117, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
authors: Benjamin
authors: B
authors: Longo-Mbenza