Comparison Of The Effect Of Waist Circumference, Body Mass Index And Thickness Of The Skin Folds On Blood Pressure In Adolescents
The Impact of Waist Circumference, Body Mass Index, and Skin Fold Thickness on Blood Pressure in Adolescents
Introduction
The prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents has been increasing in recent years, and this trend is accompanied by a rise in the incidence of hypertension among young people. As a result, it is essential to identify the factors that contribute to the development of hypertension in adolescents, particularly in the context of increasing obesity rates. This article aims to compare the influence of waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), and skin fold thickness on blood pressure in adolescents, providing valuable insights into the factors that affect adolescent cardiovascular health.
The Importance of Waist Circumference, BMI, and Skin Fold Thickness in Diagnosing Obesity
Waist circumference, BMI, and skin fold thickness are commonly used anthropometric measurements to diagnose obesity in adolescents. These measurements are essential in identifying individuals who are at risk of developing hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. Recent research has shown that increased waist circumference is closely related to an increase in blood pressure in adolescents, highlighting the importance of waist circumference as a predictor of hypertension.
Research Methods
In May 2014, a study was conducted in three private high schools in Medan, North Sumatra Province, involving a total of 253 teenagers with normal urinalysis test results. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between waist circumference, BMI, skin fold thickness, and blood pressure in adolescents. Measurements were made on blood pressure, waist circumference, thickness of the triceps and subscapular skin folds, as well as weight and height. The subjects were divided into several categories, namely underweight, normal, overweight, and obese, based on waist circumference, BMI, and skin fold thickness. Data collected were analyzed using the Chi Square test, Fisher's EXACT test, and multivariate logistics regression.
Research Results
The results of the study show that there is a significant correlation between systolic blood pressure and waist circumference (p = 0.011, OR = 9,377) and BMI (p = 0.041, OR = 4,137). In addition, a significant correlation was found between diastolic blood pressure and waist circumference (p = 0.002, OR = 3.17), BMI (p = 0.0001, OR = 3.69), triceps skin fold thickness (p = 0.0001, OR = 4.73), and subscapular skin fold thickness (p = 0.0001, OR = 3.74). Multivariate analysis shows that waist circumference is a predictor factor for systolic blood pressure (OR = 9,667), but has no significant effect on diastolic blood pressure.
Conclusion
The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the factors that affect adolescent cardiovascular health, particularly in the context of increasing obesity rates. The results show that waist circumference has the most significant influence on systolic blood pressure, while both BMI and subscapular skin fold thickness affect diastolic blood pressure, with subscapular skin fold thickness having a more significant effect than BMI. These findings highlight the importance of measuring anthropometry in diagnosing the risk of hypertension in adolescents and the need for appropriate interventions in dealing with obesity to reduce the risk of long-term health problems.
Implications for Parents, Educators, and Health Professionals
The results of this study can be a reference for parents, educators, and health professionals in an effort to improve heart health and prevent hypertension among young people. By understanding the factors that contribute to the development of hypertension in adolescents, parents, educators, and health professionals can take proactive steps to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases. This includes promoting regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and healthy weight management, as well as monitoring waist circumference, BMI, and skin fold thickness to identify individuals who are at risk of developing hypertension.
Recommendations for Future Research
Future research should focus on investigating the relationship between waist circumference, BMI, skin fold thickness, and blood pressure in adolescents from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Additionally, studies should aim to identify the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the development of hypertension in adolescents, particularly in the context of increasing obesity rates. By understanding the complex relationships between these factors, researchers can develop effective interventions to prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases in adolescents.
Limitations of the Study
This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the use of a single measurement of waist circumference, BMI, and skin fold thickness. Future studies should aim to recruit larger sample sizes and use multiple measurements to increase the accuracy of the results. Additionally, studies should aim to investigate the long-term effects of waist circumference, BMI, and skin fold thickness on blood pressure in adolescents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the factors that affect adolescent cardiovascular health, particularly in the context of increasing obesity rates. The results show that waist circumference has the most significant influence on systolic blood pressure, while both BMI and subscapular skin fold thickness affect diastolic blood pressure, with subscapular skin fold thickness having a more significant effect than BMI. These findings highlight the importance of measuring anthropometry in diagnosing the risk of hypertension in adolescents and the need for appropriate interventions in dealing with obesity to reduce the risk of long-term health problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Impact of Waist Circumference, Body Mass Index, and Skin Fold Thickness on Blood Pressure in Adolescents
Q: What is the relationship between waist circumference and blood pressure in adolescents?
A: The study found a significant correlation between waist circumference and systolic blood pressure, with waist circumference being a predictor factor for systolic blood pressure. This suggests that increased waist circumference is closely related to an increase in blood pressure in adolescents.
Q: How does body mass index (BMI) affect blood pressure in adolescents?
A: The study found a significant correlation between BMI and diastolic blood pressure, with BMI being a predictor factor for diastolic blood pressure. This suggests that increased BMI is closely related to an increase in diastolic blood pressure in adolescents.
Q: What is the relationship between skin fold thickness and blood pressure in adolescents?
A: The study found a significant correlation between skin fold thickness and diastolic blood pressure, with skin fold thickness being a predictor factor for diastolic blood pressure. This suggests that increased skin fold thickness is closely related to an increase in diastolic blood pressure in adolescents.
Q: Why is waist circumference a more significant predictor of systolic blood pressure than BMI?
A: The study found that waist circumference is a more significant predictor of systolic blood pressure than BMI because it is a more direct measure of central obesity, which is closely related to cardiovascular disease risk.
Q: What are the implications of this study for parents, educators, and health professionals?
A: The study highlights the importance of measuring anthropometry in diagnosing the risk of hypertension in adolescents and the need for appropriate interventions in dealing with obesity to reduce the risk of long-term health problems. Parents, educators, and health professionals can use this information to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases in adolescents.
Q: What are some potential limitations of this study?
A: The study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the use of a single measurement of waist circumference, BMI, and skin fold thickness. Future studies should aim to recruit larger sample sizes and use multiple measurements to increase the accuracy of the results.
Q: What are some potential future research directions?
A: Future research should focus on investigating the relationship between waist circumference, BMI, skin fold thickness, and blood pressure in adolescents from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Additionally, studies should aim to identify the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the development of hypertension in adolescents, particularly in the context of increasing obesity rates.
Q: How can adolescents reduce their risk of developing hypertension?
A: Adolescents can reduce their risk of developing hypertension by maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and following a balanced diet. Additionally, adolescents should have their waist circumference, BMI, and skin fold thickness measured regularly to identify any potential health risks.
Q: What are some potential interventions that can be used to prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases in adolescents?
A: Potential interventions that can be used to prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases in adolescents include lifestyle modifications such as increasing physical activity and improving diet, as well as pharmacological interventions such as blood pressure medication. Additionally, adolescents should have regular health check-ups to identify any potential health risks.
Q: How can parents, educators, and health professionals support adolescents in maintaining a healthy lifestyle?
A: Parents, educators, and health professionals can support adolescents in maintaining a healthy lifestyle by promoting regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and healthy weight management. Additionally, they can provide adolescents with access to health education and resources to help them make informed decisions about their health.
Q: What are some potential resources that can be used to support adolescents in maintaining a healthy lifestyle?
A: Potential resources that can be used to support adolescents in maintaining a healthy lifestyle include health education programs, physical activity programs, and nutrition counseling services. Additionally, adolescents can access online resources and mobile apps that provide health information and support.