Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Adolescence is a period of great change, in terms of physical and emotional maturation (1). High blood pressure is a major public health problem throughout the world as well as a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, which contributes to premature mortality. Improper diet, especially diet high in sodium and low in potassium can result in increased blood pressure levels (2). There is paucity of information on the possible influence of dietary patterns on serum electrolytes and blood pressure levels among adolescents. This study was designed to examine the possible influence of dietary patterns on serum electrolyte levels and blood pressure status of adolescents, in selected secondary schools in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.
MATERIALS AND METHOD: This study involved 488 participants (including 114 male and 314 female adolescents), from secondary schools in Ilishan-Remo. All participants completed the food frequency questionnaires and blood pressure screening following standard protocols, while 160 participants were interviewed for 24 hour dietary recall. Blood samples were collected from 240 volunteers for serum sodium and potassium analyses. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, T-test and multiple linear regressions at p<0>
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The results revealed a prevalence of 10.5% and 19.3% for hypertension and pre-hypertension, respectively among these adolescents (Table 1). The total study population had a mean systolic blood pressure of 110.6 ± 13.7 mmHg and a mean diastolic blood pressure of 71.98 ± 11.0 mmHg. Egg (47%), was the main source of protein consumed by the participants, while puff-puff (57.4%), was the major form of snacks consumed. About 29.3% of adolescents add salt to already prepared food. The mean levels of dietary sodium and potassium consumed were 2257.6 and 1377.1 (mg/person/day), respectively. Blood Na+ and K+ levels were 125 ± 20.3 and 3.06 ± 0.6 mEq/L, respectively. A significant relationship existed (p<0>
Table 1: Blood pressure of adolescents based on gender
|
Gender
|
Normotensive 340 (70.3%)
|
Pre-hypertensive
94 (19.3%)
|
Hypertensive
51(10.5%)
|
Total
488 (100%)
|
|
Male
|
124 (25.4)
|
36 (7.4)
|
14 (2.8)
|
174 (35.7)
|
|
Female
|
219 (444.9)
|
58 (11.9)
|
37 (7.6)
|
314 (64.3)
|
Table 2: Serum Electrolyte levels of Adolescents based on Gender
|
Gender
|
Na+ (mEq/L)
|
K+ (mEq/L)
|
|
Male
|
126.7 ± 20.1
|
3.7 ± 1.3
|
|
Female
|
123.6 ± 20.6
|
3.6 ± 1.1
|
Values represented in Mean ± S.D
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The increased dietary consumption of sodium and low consumption of potassium food sources can influence the blood pressure status negatively. Increased blood pressure status is linked with increased serum electrolyte levels (3). Therefore there is need for public awareness and dietary intervention, so as to manage and reduce future complications resulting from elevated blood pressure among these adolescents.
