Obesity as a Predisposing Genetic Factor for Development of Pediatric Hypertension in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria

Aims: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of obesity in children, and to evaluate obesity as a risk factor of hypertension among children obtaining treatment at the University of Calabar teaching hospital.

Study Design: the study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey design involving children between 3 and 18years attending pediatrics clinic at the University of Calabar teaching hospital was used to achieve the objectives of the study.

Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted at the University of Calabar teaching hospital Calabar, Cross River state, southern Nigeria between May 2023 and November 2023.

Methodology: data collection was carried out using the following instruments; (a) Semi-structured questionnaire; for anthropometric measurements (the anthropometric measurements were used to determine MBI of respondents) (b) Weighing balance and measuring tape; for measuring the weight and height of respondents in kilogram (kg) and metre (m) respectively (c) Digital blood pressure monitor; for measurement of respondents’ blood pressure. Data was collected with the help of the research assistants on a daily basis for 6 weeks from the pediatric unit of the hospital with two research assistants administering the questionnaire while the other took and recorded anthropometric measurements.

Results: BMI percentile of 53 (39.13%) respondents was 95th percentile and above, followed by 35(25.36%) at 5th percentile, 28(20.29%) below 5th percentile, and 22(15.94%) at 85th percentile. 43(31.16%) respondents had elevated blood pressure of 120-129 mm Hg(systolic) and less than 80 mm Hg (diastolic) were recorded for 22(15.94%) and 25(18.12%) respondents respectively. 48(34.78%) respondents had blood pressure higher than 130/80 mm Hg indicative of hypertension.

Conclusion: BP above 130/80 mm Hg indicated a positive correlation between childhood obesity and pediatric high blood pressure.