Hypertension in Quilombola children and adolescents

To determine the prevalence of prehypertension (PH) and hypertension (AH) in quilombola children and adolescents, as well as to analyze sociodemographic, behavioral, and health characteristics. Prevalence study conducted in random samples of quilombola children and adolescents from 06 to 19 years of age, in remaining quilombo communities in Cachoeira-Bahia. Identification, sociodemographic, behavioral, anthropometric, and blood pressure (BP) data were used. Descriptive analyses of the variables of interest were performed based on absolute (N) and included frequencies (percentage, prevalence). Pearson’s Chi-square (χ(2)) and Fisher Exact tests determined possible differences. Of the 668 participants, 54.3% were children, 51.2% were male, and 29.4% presented alterations in BP. PH and AH were found in 12.7% and 14.3% of the children, respectively; for adolescents, these values were 12.5% and 15.4%, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found between the prevalence of AH in the 2 population groups, nor between the PH measurements. Most families reported a low socioeconomic status. Among children, 6.6% were underweight, 14.6% were overweight, 10.7% were obese, 12.7% presented a Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) > 0.5; 70.1% were inactive and 88.4% had a sedentary lifestyle; 5.6% of the adolescents were underweight, 12.8% were overweight, 9.2% were obese, 11.5% presented a WHtR > 0.5; 78% were inactive and 92.1% had a sedentary lifestyle. Normotensive children and adolescents, and those with alterations in BP differed only in terms of the Body Mass Index (P = .007) and WHtR (P < .001). The consumption of unhealthy foods was high. The high prevalence of PH and AH, as well as of exposure to potential risk factors for AH in quilombola children and adolescents, reveals a worrisome situation, and demands further studies to identify risk factors for this disease and the need for interventions beyond the health sector, especially as regards disease prevention and control in the early stages of life, aiming to reduce its prevalence as adults.