RELACIÓN DE HÄBITOS ALIMENTARIOS E HIPERTENSIÓN ARTERIAL EN ADOLESCENTES, HOSPITAL BÁSICO EL EMPALME, ENERO - MAYO 2017

Abstract

Dietary habits, especially among adolescents, are having a significant influence on the prevalence of no communicable diseases, such as hypertension. The objective of this research is to determine the relationship between dietary habits and arterial hypertension in adolescents aged 10 to 15 years who attend the Basic Hospital El Empalme during the period January - May 2017. Anthropometric measurements and pressure measurements were taken. In accordance with the guidelines set forth in the Manual of the Ministry of Public Health of Ecuador, the Krece Plus rapid test was administered to the participants for the assessment of dietary habits. The results of the application of the Krece Plus rapid test to 117 pediatric patients, indicated that 43.6% (n = 51) of the adolescents presented a low nutritional level, 47.9% (n = 56), medium and 8.5% (n = 10) high when compared to a Mediterranean diet The association between the assessment of nutritional status and blood pressure were statistically significant (Pearson's Chi Square = 82,410, p = 0,000 and V cramer = 0,593), the association between the valuation of the Krece Plus questionnaire and blood pressure were statistically significant (Pearson Square Chi = 17,886 p = 0,001 and V cramer = 0,276). It was concluded that pediatric patients who had inadequateeating habits had higher blood pressure measurements for their age, there being a statistically significant relationship with a minimal association between the variables.