Hypovitaminosis D, Dyslipidemia, and Thyroid Dysfunction among Adolescents and Their Associations with Blood Pressure in a Northeastern City of India

BACKGROUND: Blood pressure (BP) is associated with serum levels of Vitamin D(3), lipid profile, and thyroid hormones among adults. However, limited information is available regarding such associations in adolescents. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of Vitamin D(3) deficiency, dyslipidemia, and thyroid dysfunction among secondary school students of Agartala and to determine their associations with BP. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018, among 1000 secondary-level school students of Agartala municipal corporation area, chosen by multistage sampling ensuring proportionate representation. RESULTS: The prevalence of Vitamin D(3) deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, and dyslipidemia was found to be 79.4%, 62.8%, and 37.5%, respectively. Among the respondents, 58.1% had raised BP, 16.7% were overweight, 5.3% were obese, and 48.3% had high waist–hip ratio (WHR). Among them, 70.97% of the fatty participants, 82.27% with high body mass index (BMI), and 69.05% with either low or normal WHR had significantly raised BP (P < 0.05). Out of total, 58.26% of the participants with normal serum D(3) level, 59.95% with either euthyroid or hyperthyroid status, and 62.13% with dyslipidemia had raised BP, though these were not significant (P > 0.05). Binary logistic regression model has identified higher BMI, higher body fat content, high WHR, habit of consuming extra salt, and fast food on a regular basis as significant determinants of raised BP in this population (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Hypovitaminosis D, thyroid dysfunction, and dyslipidemia are prevalent among adolescents of Northeast India, but they did not emerge as significant determinants of BP in this population.