Practicing one sport per week could help to control blood pressure: an exploratory study among secondary pupils in northern Benin

Abstract

The prevention of cardiovascular disease could be better efficient if the follow-up of blood pressure (BP) profile was effective during childhood. Investigations on the normal range of blood pressure during early life and adolescence were not sufficiently documented in African countries for foreseeing adequate prevented health public actions. This study aims to determine the blood pressure profile in apparently healthy pupils and to identify modifiable risk factors (diet, lifestyle, and weight status). Ninety-five pupils were included in the study and their blood pressure was measured. A questionnaire was administered to them for approaching the factors associated with profile blood pressure. Anthropometrics measurements were performed by personal trained according to WHO recommendations. The mean of Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP)/Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) of sampled pupils was SBP/DBP 107.53 ± 6.18/78.16 ± 4.43 mmHg. Only one pupil had high blood pressure (BP: 120 to 129 mm Hg systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic). Adjusting for age and sex, Body mass index for age (BAZ), like to eat less salt and drink alcohol and practicing sport were associated to increase BP profile of pupils. Meanwhile, duration of sport practice and consumption of less fatty food was associated with low blood pressure (systolic or diastolic). The duration of practice per week appeared to be significantly and negatively associated with high blood pressure. Children who practiced more than 4 hours of sport per week had a diastolic blood pressure of less than 4.54 mmHg than those who practiced sport for less than 4 hours (p = 0.00). Playing sports at school for more than four hours a week and not exposing at school to alcohol and fatty foods could help control blood pressure in pupils. However, further research will be required to confirm these findings.