Maric, Gorica D. (56433592800)Gorica D. (56433592800)MaricDusanovic, Marija G. (57130970100)Marija G. (57130970100)DusanovicKostic, Andjelija V. (57130404700)Andjelija V. (57130404700)KosticPekmezovic, Tatjana D. (7003989932)Tatjana D. (7003989932)PekmezovicKisic-Tepavcevic, Darija B. (57218390033)Darija B. (57218390033)Kisic-Tepavcevic2025-07-022025-07-022016https://doi.org/10.1097/MBP.0000000000000179https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84958794154&doi=10.1097%2fMBP.0000000000000179&partnerID=40&md5=09aac8d77e9b3bc078e26c781db6e89fhttps://remedy.med.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/13436Objective The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hypertension in a sample of schoolchildren in the district of Vozdovac (Belgrade). Methods This study included 780 pupils from I, III, V and VII classes of a primary school and I and III classes of a high school in the district of Vozdovac (Belgrade). The anthropometric data were obtained from medical records of a regular health survey in 2014-2015. Blood pressure (BP) was measured three times using a mercury sphygmomanometer with a cuff of appropriate size at a 5 min interval. BP values at or above the 95th percentile for age, sex, and height were considered indicative of hypertension. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, χ 2 -test, t-test, and correlation analysis. Results Of the participating students, 15.0% were overweight and 6.7% were obese. A significant negative correlation was observed between BMI categories and age (ρ=-0.126; P<0.01). The average systolic blood pressure values in boys and girls were 105.0±14.1 (range 80.0-150.0) and 102.5±12.3 (range 80-155) mmHg, respectively. The average diastolic blood pressure values in boys and girls were 67.6±8.8 (range 50-100) and 66.2±7.7 (range 50-95) mmHg, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension was 10.5%. A significant positive association was found between the presence of hypertension and age (ρ=0.150, P<0.01) and higher BMI level (ρ=0.115, P<0.01). Conclusion In our sample of schoolchildren, a high prevalence of hypertension was found. Moreover, elevated BP values correlated strongly with age and BMI. © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.Belgradecross-sectional studyhypertensionprevalencepupils