Phuti Makgae

By Moloko Matshipi, Hlengani James Siweya and Phuti Joanna Makgae

Obesity as directly measured by anthropometric parameters has been demonstrated to be associated with hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus, which are common risk factors for CVD. The study aimed at assessing the relationship between blood pressure, blood glucose and anthropometric parameters in Ellisras children. A total of 492 children aged 6 to 11 years, participated in the study. Neck circumference, waist circumference, body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, fasting blood glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured using standard procedures. Linear regression showed significant association (P < 0.05) of anthropometric parameters (except waist-to-height ratio) with blood pressure. Fasting blood glucose was significantly associated with neck circumference when adjusted for age and gender. Positive correlation was found for systolic blood pressure with neck and waist circumference and body mass index in both genders and for diastolic blood pressure, the correlation was only found in boys. Fasting blood glucose was negatively correlated with neck circumference. Waist circumference (P = 0.025, β = 1.208, 95% CI = 1.017–1.285) was better than BMI (P = 0.046, β = 1.340, 95% CI = 1.005–1.788) in predicting elevated systolic blood pressure. These findings suggest that it is crucial to manage anthropometric parameters in the Ellisras community in order to decelerate the increase of hypertension and diabetes mellitus.

Part of the book: Lifestyle and Epidemiology