Blood pressure pattern and its correlates among primary school children in Jos, Nigeria

Objective: To determine the blood pressure pattern and the factors that correlate with BP among primary school children in Jos metropolis.Study Population/Methods: The blood pressures of one thousand, eight hundred and seven (1807) apparently healthy school pupils aged six (6) to fourteen (14) years (mean 10.1±2.14 years) were measured using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer after obtaining parental consent. The subjects were primary school children of Jos North Local Government area of Plateau state. One school was randomly selected from each geographic ward of the Local Government Area. The subjects' weights and heights were also measured using standard techniques.Results: The study population consisted of 906 girls and 901 boys (M: F = 1:1) ranging in age from 6 to 14 years (mean 10.1±2.14years). The overall mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 94.5±12.59mmHg and 67.5±10.98 mmHg respectively. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures of the girls (96.2±12.82mmHg and 68.7±11.0mmHg respectively) were significantly higher than those of boys (92.9±12.23mmHg and 66.3±10.92mmHg respectively), p