THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BODY MASS INDEX AND ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION AMONG ADULTS

Authors

  • Kartheek R. Balapala Research Scholar, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Zambia
  • Victor Mwanakasale Research Supervisor, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Zambia
  • Seter Siziya Professor, Dean, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Zambia
  • Moono Silitongo Lecturer, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Zambia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejphs.v7i3.194

Keywords:

orthostatic hypotension, body mass index, gender differences, public health, Zambia

Abstract

Background: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a condition characterized by a significant drop in blood pressure upon standing, potentially leading to dizziness and falls. Body Mass Index (BMI) has been identified as a potential risk factor for OH, yet the relationship remains underexplored, particularly in specific populations. Objective: This study investigates the association between BMI and the prevalence of OH among adults in Ndola City, Copperbelt Province, Zambia, while also examining the influence of gender on this relationship. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving adults aged 16 to 60 years, selected through simple random sampling from local health centers. Data on BMI, blood pressure measurements, and demographic information were collected. Chi-square tests were employed to assess associations between BMI and OH, as well as between gender and OH. Results: The analysis revealed a statistically significant association between BMI and the occurrence of OH (Pearson Chi-Square: 63.8815, p < 0.001). In contrast, no significant association was found between gender and OH (Pearson Chi-Square: 1.8646, p = 0.172). These findings suggest that variations in BMI are related to the prevalence of OH among adults in Ndola City, while gender differences appear to have minimal impact. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of monitoring BMI as a potential risk factor for orthostatic hypotension in adults. While gender does not significantly influence the occurrence of OH, further research is warranted to explore additional contributing factors and develop targeted interventions for the local population. These insights can inform public health strategies aimed at managing OH related to BMI.

Author Biographies

  • Kartheek R. Balapala, Research Scholar, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Zambia

    Dr. Kartheek R. Balapala is a unique doctoral research scholar in clinical physiology, at Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Zambia. His research interests span postural changes in blood pressure, mental stress and family scapegoating abuse, together with their impacts on human behaviour. Over two decades ago, he graduated as a medical doctor, published over 49 papers in global medical and education journals, and challenges himself to think about both sides of the scientific aphorisms. A firm believer of contemplation with academic tenacity. As a renowned mental health researcher, Dr. Kartheek R. Balapala advocates the concept of visualization in medical sciences for better comprehension at medical institutions around the globe and serves as an Associate editor and board member for international medical research journals. He has been mentoring medical graduates, for the past 18 years across the globe and Africa. He published over 25 books on medical concepts in eight different languages across the European Union and the globe with LAP Lambert Academic Publishers. His book on the mind mapping techniques for medical concepts, based on Leonardo da Vinci’s concept of mind mapping, implied for medical students is remarkably a novel contribution to twenty-first century medical knowledge.

    ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-2405-5105

  • Victor Mwanakasale, Research Supervisor, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Zambia

    Dr. Victor Mwanakasale is currently professorial faculty member of Basic Sciences Department, at Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Zambia. He is a globally renowned researcher on tropical diseases.

  • Seter Siziya, Professor, Dean, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Zambia

    Dr. Seter Siziya is professor of Biostatistics Department at Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Zambia. He is a globally renowned researcher on medical biostatistics and public health.

  • Moono Silitongo, Lecturer, Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Zambia

    Dr. Moono Silitongo is a lecturer at Michael Chilufya Sata School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Zambia. He is a medical researcher and doctoral scholar.

References

Balapala K R, Mwanakasale V, Simapuka L F, Mbiydzenyuy N E, 2023. Blood pressure variations associated with ageing in Sub-Saharan Africa. European Journal of Public Health Studies 6(1). http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejphs.v6i1.138

Baser O, Korkmaz M, Yilmaz M, 2020. The relationship between body mass index and orthostatic hypotension in elderly patients. Journal of Geriatric Cardiology 17(4): 239-244.

Chen H, Morrison L, Sheehy T, Costelloe A, Griffin M, Quinn C, O'Connor M, Peters C, Lyons D, 2022. The use of body mass index in predicting orthostatic hypotension in older adults. Age and Ageing 51 (Supplement_3): https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afac218.289

Denhart H, 2008. Deconstructing barriers: Perceptions of students labeled with learning disabilities in higher education. Journal of Learning Disabilities 41(6): 483-497. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0022219408321151

Garn S M, Haskell W L, 1959. The relationship between obesity and hypertension: A review. American Journal of Public Health 49(1): 24-30.

Gupta V, Lipsitz L A, 2007. Orthostatic hypotension in the elderly: Diagnosis and treatment. American Journal of Medicine 120(10): 841-847. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2007.02.023

Metcalf P A, Jeffs J S, Smith J P, 2011. Gender differences in cardiovascular disease risk factors: A longitudinal study. Heart 97(11): 908-913.

Moloney E, McGrath K, Lyons D, O'Connor M, Peters C, 2017. Fat is Protective? Orthostatic Hypotension and High BMI. Age and Ageing 46 (Suppl_3): iii13–iii59. https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afx144.264

Yiengprugsawan V, Sleigh A, McNeil J J, 2014. Obesity and its association with hypertension and diabetes among older adults in Thailand: A population-based study. BMC Public Health 14(1): 1162.

Downloads

Published

2024-10-26

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 3 (2024)

Section

Articles

License

Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:

Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.

Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.

Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).

How to Cite

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BODY MASS INDEX AND ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION AMONG ADULTS. (2024). European Journal of Public Health Studies, 7(3). https://doi.org/10.46827/ejphs.v7i3.194