Physical activity, body mass index and blood pressure in primary school pupils attending private schools.

Wilson E Sadoh1, Ayebo E Sadoh, Alphonsus N Onyiriuka
1. Department of Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin,
PMB 1154, Benin City, Nigeria.
2. Institute of Child Health, University of Benin, PMB 1154, Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract
Background:Lack of physical activity contributes to overweight and obesity. It is recommended that children accumulate at  least one hour of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity daily.

Objective:The level of physical activity, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) were evaluated in pupils attending  private primary schools.

Method: The intensity and duration of physical activity of the pupils selected by multiple stage sampling method were obtained  with the aid of a questionnaire. The BMI and BP were measured. Analysis was by SPSS.

Results:Of the 353 pupils, 132(37.4%) pupils were adequately physically active while overweight and obesity prevalences were  54(15.3%) and 65(18.4%) respectively. Hypertension prevalence in overweight/ obese children (6.5%) was significantly higher  than in children with healthy weight 1.5%, P = 0.04.

Conclusion:Only a third of pupils met the recommended level of physical activity. The prevalence of overweight and obesity  was high while the overweight and obese pupils were more likely to have hypertension compared to those with healthy weight.  Physical activity programmes for primary school pupils in school and at home are therefore recommended.

Keywords:Physical activity; body mass index; school children; hypertension