Abstract:
Objective To analyze the factors associated with elevated blood pressure and provide a basis for interventions targeting elevated blood pressure among children and adolescents in high-altitude areas.
Methods A stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 2 515 Tibetan primary and secondary school students in Lhasa, China in September 2023 for blood pressure measurement and questionnaire survey. Factors associated with elevated blood pressure were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression analysis.
Results The overall prevalence of elevated blood pressure among Tibetan primary and secondary school students in Lhasa was 17.0%, including 15.0% among primary school students, 17.3% among junior high school students, and 29.0% among senior high school students. Each of the following factors was associated with a higher risk of elevated blood pressure: age 15-17 years, urban residence, attendance at senior high school, overweight or obesity, residence at an altitude of ≤3 650 meters, and a history of smoking (all P < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that school level, body mass index (BMI), smoking behavior, and altitude were associated with elevated blood pressure. The risk of elevated blood pressure was higher among senior high school students than primary school students (OR=1.63, 95%CI: 1.18-2.25), among smoking students than non-smoking students (OR=1.36, 95%CI: 1.02-1.81), and among overweight/obese students than those with normal BMI (OR =1.70, 95%CI: 1.24-2.32) (all P < 0.05). After adjusting for residence, school level, age, and BMI, multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that compared with students living at altitudes above 3 650 meters, those living at 3 650 and below meters had a higher risk of elevated blood pressure (OR =3.11, 95%CI: 2.35-4.11).
Conclusion Given the current situation of elevated blood pressure among Tibetan primary and secondary school students in Lhasa, appropriate measures should be taken to reduce their risk of elevated blood pressure.