Asymptomatic proteinuria and elevated blood pressure among adolescents in urban secondary schools of South-East Nigeria

Background: Hypertension and proteinuria are known risk factors for cardiovascular disease and renal impairment. Early detection and treatment will reduce morbidity and mortality associated with them.Objective: To determine the prevalence of asymptomatic proteinuria with or without elevated blood pressure among secondary school adolescents in urban area of south-east Nigeria.Methodology: This was a cross sectional study of 995 adolescents aged 10-19 years attending public and private secondary schools in Awka-South Local Government Area of Anambra state, south-east Nigeria. A multi-staged sampling method was used to select the subjects. All the participants had their urine examined for protein using the combo- 9 (Midi test) according to manufacturer’s specification. Their blood pressure was measured after at least five minutes of rest in seated position using mercury sphygmomanometer, (Accoson® DEKAMET, MK.3 England). Data was analysed using SPSS version 16, (Chicago Illinois, USA).Result: A total of 995 adolescents were recruited and studied. They comprised of 475 (47.7%) males and 520 (52.3%) females, giving a male to female ratio of 1:1.1. Their ages ranged from 10-19 years with a mean of 14.6±2.0 years. Prevalence of hypertension was 6.2%. Thirty-eight females (7.3%) compared to twenty-four males (5.0%) had hypertension, but this was not statistically significant. (P-value =0.14) Ninety-six (9.6%) of all the subjects had protein in urine. Eighty-five had one plus (+), while 11 had two pluses (++) of protein.Conclusion: Asymptomatic proteinuria and hypertension exist among secondary school adolescents. There is need for periodic screening and intervention programme.Keywords: Hypertension, Urine, Protein, Renal Impairment