Monitoring learner health: Blood pressure and anthropometric screening
The Siyaphakama Zwide School Project, a collaborative programme with KaziBantu conducted a round of blood pressure and anthropometric screenings across five participating schools.
A total of 397 learners from Grades 2 to 7 were assessed as part of this initiative. These screenings form an important part of how we track learner well-being - offering insights not only into physical development, but also into the broader health challenges learners may be facing, particularly in under-resourced settings like Zwide.
The following indicators were measured
- Blood Pressure (mmHg)
- Height (m) and Weight (kg)
- Body Mass Index (kg/m²)
Key Findings:
Blood Pressure
- 19% of learners were found to have elevated blood pressure
- 13% presented with results consistent with stage 1 hypertension.
These results indicate early warning signs of potential cardiovascular risks, especially concerning given the age group. This highlights the importance of routine screening and early interventions that promote heart-healthy habits from a young age onwards.
Body Mass Index Status (BMI)
- 89% fell within the normal BMI range
- However, 11% were found to be overweight or obese, suggesting the need for targeted health and nutrition education alongside physical activity initiatives.
Why this matters?
Childhood hypertension poses a significant risk for developing hypertension in adulthood, making early diagnosis and intervention crucial for long-term cardiovascular health. Limited data exists on the prevalence of hypertension in children across sub-Saharan Africa, emphasising the importance of early detection to address contributing lifestyle or medical factors and reduce the long-term burden on individual health. By collecting and analysing anthropometric and blood pressure data, professionals are better positioned to tailor the programme’s support, offer early interventions, and raise awareness about the long-term impact of lifestyle on health (see also Childhood Hypertension Consortium of South Africa [CHCSA]).
For further questions, please contact Dr. Danielle Dolley (danielle.dolley@mandela.ac.za) or MSc Mooveshni Dumalingam (mooveshni.dumalingam@mandela.ac.za) from the Nelson Mandela University.