Publication:

Assessment of risk factors for hypertension among undergraduate students in a medical college of Himachal Pradesh, India

Background Hypertension is a commonest cardiovascular disorder and is major cause of premature death worldwide. An estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years worldwide have hypertension, most (two-thirds) living in low and middle-income countries. So present study was undertaken to assess the risk factors for hypertension among First year MBBS students so that suitable preventive measures may be undertaken.

Methods It is cross sectional study conducted among first year MBBS students in DRKGMC Hamirpur. The duration of study is three months. The tools of study used were modified structured pretested self-administered questionnaire; WHO stepwise approach to chronic disease risk factor surveillance (STEPS). Weighing machine, measuring tape, digital BP apparatus and steadiometer.

Results A total of 115 students of MBBS first year participated in the study. There were a total of 31.3% (36) boys and 68.7% (79) girls. Thirty three percent (38) had a family history of hypertension. 16.52% (19) had a BMI more than the normal. Among the study participants only 5 students (4.35%) used to consume alcohol and smoke cigarettes. Most of study participants consume fast food and junk food.

Conclusions High prevalence of different modifiable risk factors for hypertension revealed among the study subjects.There is need to screen the modifiable risk factors from very early age.