Early Onset of Hypertension and Diabetes: Prevalence and Risk Factors among School Going Adolescents in Federal Capital Territory, North Central Nigeria

This study on early onset of hypertension and diabetes in adolescents was carried out to determine the prevalence of Hypertension, Prediabetes and diabetes among school-going adolescents in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja Nigeria. A questionnaire was used to assess all parameters. 717 in-school boarding and Day Students aged 10–19 years of age were assessed. Statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 23.0. Results showed that of the 717 sampled adolescents, 488 (68.1%) and 229(31.9) were Females and Males respectively. 286 Boarders and 431 Day Students. Participants ranged between ages 13-16years (59.7%) and 17-19yrs (40.3%). Cereals (51%) were the most consumed across the adolescent diet, while Dairy (2%), Eggs (1%) and fruit (1%) were the least consumed. 22.6% of adolescents were underweight, 1.7% Overweight and 0.4% Obese. The Tri ponderal Risk assessment showed 93.6% of adolescents are at Low Risk of disease onset, 3.6% moderate risk and 2.8% High Risk. Combined Risk factors observed was Less exercise, regular consumption of processed foods and (29.5%), Family History (21.6%) 6.7% Overweight and Obesity (4.2%), Prediabetes (6.7%) Smoking (4.2%). The mean Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) was 4.2 ± 1.2 mmol/L. 9.7% and 2% males and female subjects had FBS >5.5mmol/ as either Prediabetic or Diabetic. A total prevalence of 82(11.7%) of adolescents were noted with prediabetes or Diabetes. Elevated systolic BP 17(2.4%), Elevated Diastolic BP 7(1%) and (systolic and/ or diastolic) 8(1.4%) were reported among the adolescents. The female Population had higher elevated scores in Blood Glucose Levels (7.1%) and Blood Pressure (3.2%), and the regression coefficient between BMI and other parameters was very weak (R