Hypertension and Its Association with Anthropometry and Mental Health Among Adolescent Girls in Slum Areas

According to up-and-coming preliminary evidence, primary hypertension or near-to-high blood pressure (BP) is clearly detectable in adolescent girls and generally occurs as an underdiagnosed problem. Both prehypertension and depression are due to low mental health and are common disorders. This study aimed to determine the relationship of BP with anthropometry and mental health among adolescent girls aged 12–18 in the English Bazar Municipality (EBM) of Maldah District. This study sample was taken using the random sampling method. This study was conducted among 380 adolescent girls aged 12–18 from randomly selected slums of the EBM of Maldah district. Data on BP, anthropometry, and mental health scores were collected by using structured questionnaires during house visits. Mental health was examined by using the General Health Questionnaire with 12 items (GHQ-12). Using Stata software, the mean, standard deviation, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multivariable binary logistic regression model were used for statistical analyses. The overall prevalence of prehypertension was found to be 22%. Blood pressure was found to be positively correlated with different anthropometric measurements, such as weight (SBP = 0.45; DBP = 0.29), height (SBP = 0.38; DBP = 0.20), sitting height (SBP = 0.28; DBP = 0.15), waist circumference (SBP = 0.38; DBP = 0.26), and body mass index (BMI) (SBP = 0.34; DBP = 0.28), which were statistically significant. The study participants with low mental health scores had high mean SBP and DBP values compared to girls with high mental health scores. The early detection of prehypertension and the application of lifestyle modifications among adolescents will help lower the risks of having high BP in adult life.