Prevalence of obesity and hypertension in schoolchildren: comparative study between rural schools in the municipality of Santa Cruz do Sul/RS

Abstract

Backgound and Objectives: The prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents has increased significantly all over the world. Consequently, the prevalence of diseases that were once considered adult, has also affected young, increasingly early. To investigate whether there are differences in the rates of obesity and hypertension among schoolchildren of the Northern hemisphere, south, east and west of the rural municipality of Santa Cruz do Sul-RS. Methods: A cross-sectional study involved students, aged 7-17 years, from 5 schools in the rural municipality of Santa Cruz do Sul- RS. Anthropometric indices such as BMI (body mass index), WC (waist circumference), %BF (body fat percentage) and both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) were evaluated. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 20.0 program through descriptive analysis and chi-square test, considering significant differences p≤0,005. Results: Were evaluated 726 students, 350 male and 376 female. Prevalence rates in five schools assessed were similar, except for the fat percentage, where the school 3 presented significantly higher prevalence of elevated %BF for both male and female. Conclusion: The closest school urban area showed the highest prevalence of elevated %BF, the other parameters prevalence rates were similar. KEYWORDS: Obesity. Hypertension. Child. Adolescent. Rural Population.