# Association of sociodemographic factors, lifestyle behaviors, anthropometric measures, and cardiometabolic health markers with blood pressure in adolescents: a cross-sectional analysis

## TL;DR

This study explores how factors like lifestyle, body measurements, and health markers are linked to high blood pressure in Brazilian adolescents.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific sociodemographic and health factors associated with elevated blood pressure in adolescents from the Amazon region of Brazil.

## Key findings

- Male sex and rural residency were significantly associated with elevated blood pressure in adolescents.
- Aerobic activity and waist circumference were strongly linked to elevated blood pressure.
- Fasting glucose levels showed a significant association with elevated blood pressure.

## Abstract

Evidence suggests that hypertension in adulthood may have its origins in childhood and adolescence. In this context, previous studies have demonstrated an association between lifestyle behaviors and nutritional status, both of which are linked to elevated blood pressure.

To examine the association between sociodemographic factors, subjective perception of health, lifestyle behaviors, anthropometric measurements, and cardiometabolic health markers with blood pressure in a sample of Brazilian adolescents.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 273 adolescents (56% girls), aged 14–20 years, from Rio Branco, Acre, Amazon Region of Brazil. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires and direct measurements, including anthropometric indices, cardiometabolic biomarkers, and blood pressure. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and binary logistic regression models. Linear regression, adjusted by all variables, including dimension (sub-category) and age, was used to verify if the independent variables were associated with elevated blood pressure among adolescents.

Significant associations were observed between elevated blood pressure and the male sex (OR = 2.56; 95% CI [1.11–5.86], p = 0.026) and rural residency (OR = 3.65; 95% CI [1.44–9.21], p = 0.006). Aerobic activity presented a significant association with elevated blood pressure (OR = 8.04; 95% CI [1.04–61.65], p = 0.045). Waist circumference increased the likelihood of elevated blood pressure (OR = 5.43; 95% CI [1.34–21.94], p = 0.018). Cardiometabolic markers, such as fasting glucose, demonstrated a significant association with elevated blood pressure (OR = 2.43; 95% CI [1.00–5.90], p = 0.048). No significant associations were found for muscle-strengthening activity, screen time, sleep duration, or food intake.

Our findings emphasize the crucial role of sociodemographic factors, especially the male sex and rural residency, in predicting elevated blood pressure among adolescents. Adolescents who perform the recommended amount of aerobic activity and who present acceptable fasting glucose values during adolescence are less likely to present high blood pressure. Waist circumference together with other anthropometric measurements might be a useful indicator for screening elevated blood pressure risk. These findings highlight the necessity for early detection, targeted interventions, and personalized strategies to reduce the hypertension risk and improve cardiometabolic health in the young population.