The aim of this cross sectional study was to evaluate the prevalence of high blood pressure, pre diabetes and obesity in a group of Puerto Rican (PR) adolescents.
Method:
A convenience sample of 135 Puerto Rican (PR) adolescents ages 13 to 18 years from 3 PR public schools was recruited. The University of Puerto Rico’s IRB approved the study. A one visit dental evaluation was performed at the schools by a calibrated dentist. This evaluation included plaque index, ICDAS caries exam, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, and recession. Height, weight and waist circumference were measured. Blood pressure and HbA1c were measured. Four periapical radiographs were taken. A behavioral risk questionnaire was administered. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.
Result:
: Participants distribution were: obese(32%), overweight(16%), healthy weight(50%) and underweight(1.5%); females were 62%. Blood pressure greater than 130/100 was found for 13.6% of the total sample of adolescents: obese (38.5%), overweight (5.5%), healthy weight (3.4%) and underweight (0%). Five percent of the sample have HbA1c greater than 5.7 (range 5.7-6.5). Of this 5%, 4 were obese and 1 healthy weight. Of the 5% with high blood pressure, 2 subjects had HbA1c greater than 5.7 and were obese.Using t test and logistic regression analysis statistical significant differences were found for obesity and high blood pressure (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found for high levels of HbA1c and obesity (p = 0.59)
Conclusion:
The results of this study showed an important finding of high blood pressure measurements in obese adolescents. Metabolic syndrome may be a risk of future cardiovascular disease and diabetes in adolescence.