# Determinants of Elevated Blood Pressure and Hypertension Among Undergraduate Medical Students in Central Karnataka, India: A Cross-Sectional Study

## TL;DR

This study finds that many medical students in India have high blood pressure, linked to factors like weight and diet.

## Contribution

The study identifies modifiable risk factors for elevated blood pressure in young medical students in India.

## Key findings

- 30.45% of students had elevated blood pressure and 25.45% had Stage I hypertension.
- BMI, gender, dietary patterns, and waist circumference were significantly associated with blood pressure levels.
- Over 28% of participants were classified as obese based on BMI.

## Abstract

Background

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes, are the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Elevated blood pressure levels are an important precursor to hypertension and cardiovascular disease, particularly among young adults, yet their determinants remain underexplored in this population.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of elevated blood pressure levels, hypertension, and its associated determinants among undergraduate medical students.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students of Jagadguru Jayadeva Murugarajendra (JJM) Medical College, Davangere, India, from August 2024 to October 2024. Students with a known diagnosis of hypertension or those currently receiving antihypertensive treatment were excluded. The estimated sample size was 220. A total of 220 students participated in the study and completed the study protocol. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire, along with anthropometric measurements and blood pressure recordings, after obtaining informed written consent. Associations between blood pressure status and selected determinants were analyzed.

Results

Of the 220 participants, 119 (54%) were male and 101 (45.9%) were female. The majority of students were 21 years old (52.7%). A family history of hypertension was reported by 72 participants (32.7%), and 63 (28.5%) were classified as obese based on BMI. Based on blood pressure measurements, elevated blood pressure levels were observed in 67 (30.45%) participants, and 56 (25.45%) were found to have Stage I hypertension, while 20 (9.09%) were classified as having Stage II hypertension. BMI, gender, dietary patterns, and waist circumference showed a statistically significant association with blood pressure levels.

Conclusion

The study highlights a substantial burden of elevated blood pressure levels and hypertension among undergraduate medical students. Modifiable risk factors such as increased BMI, dietary patterns, and waist circumference were significantly associated with elevated blood pressure, emphasizing the need for early screening and lifestyle-based interventions among young adults.