Prevalence of prehypertension among medical students and its correlation with anthropometric indices
Journal Title: International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health - Year 2018, Vol 7, Issue 12
Abstract
Background: Hypertension is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Prehypertension acts as a warning sign, in younger age group which indicates the risk of developing hypertension in later life. Obesity is another important public health problem that has assumed epidemic proportions in developing countries and acts as a major independent risk factor for the development of hypertension. Objectives: The objective of the study was to identify the prevalence of prehypertension and its relation with body mass index (BMI) and neck circumference (NC) among young medical students. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional was conducted among 192 medical students. The participants were examined for various anthropometric parameters such as height, weight, and NC. BMI was calculated. Blood pressure (BP) was recorded using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer. The correlation between BMI, NC, and BP was assessed by calculating the Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) and P > 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: The overall prevalence of prehypertension among the participants was 21.35%. The prevalence was higher among the overweight medical students (45.48%). Mean BMI and mean NC were higher among prehypertensives compared to normotensives. A positive significant relation was found between BPs and both BMI and NC. Conclusion: Our study revealed a high prevalence of prehypertension among medical students which was significantly associated with BMI and NC.
Authors and Affiliations
Farhana Ahad, Nida Nowreen
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP489700
- DOI 10.5455/ijmsph.2018.0925920092018
- Views 93
- Downloads 0
Profile of Anganwadi workers and their knowledge regarding maternal and child health services in an urban area
Background: An Anganwadi worker (AWW), a lady selected from the local community, is a community-based frontline honorary worker of the Integrated Child Development Services program. Their understanding, communica...
Imaging spectrum of viral encephalitis: A case series
Encephalitis refers to an acute, diffuse inflammatory process affecting the brain and viral encephalitis being the most important cause. Imaging of patients with viral encephalitis reveals edema in the affected brain par...
Pattern of internet use among college going adolescent students in Nagpur city: A cross sectional study
Background: The internet has playing extensive role in our daily lives. Internet use has both positive and negative aspects. The use of the internet on schools campus and in society has increased dramatically in recent y...
Awareness and practice of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) of HIV among health-care workers in tertiary care hospital of Haldwani, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a major global public health problem. Health-care workers (HCWs) are persons working in health-care setting. They are potentially exposed to infectious materials such...
Hyperthyroidism induced reversible hepatotoxicity a case report and brief review
The patients presenting with high liver enzymes have multiple etiologies ranging from hepatotoxic viruses, drugs, and various toxins. While viral hepatitis continues to be the leading cause of elevated liver enzymes, oth...