Risk behaviors, high blood pressure and obesity in young African Americans

Background: Researchers have attributed elevated blood pressure in children to the growing epidemic of childhood obesity, which sometimes lead to the early development of atherosclerosis in children. As a result, many health organizations have been advocating for early detection and intervention in childhood hypertension as an important first step in the fight to reduce health disparities and long-term health risks.

Purpose: This study examined the relationship between health risk behaviors and the development of obesity and high blood pressure among young African-Americans.

Significance: The information gathered can educate the student body on regular healthy practices that could improve their health status since overweight is associated with impaired quality of life and disability affecting basic activities of daily living.

Methods: This was a correlation research study that examined students' responses on a questionnaire to assess the relationship between health risk behaviors (physical activity, dietary practices, and alcohol and tobacco use) and health outcomes (obesity and high blood pressure).

Results: Though the strength of the relationship between health risk behaviors (physical activity, dietary practices, and alcohol and tobacco use) and health outcomes (obesity and high blood pressure) varied from one risk factor to another, lack of physical activity and dietary practices showed the strongest relationship to elevated blood pressure and obesity.

Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate the need for further involvement by school districts to undertake preventive measures that can motivate the students to adopt healthier behavior practices that will help to provide them with a better quality of life.