Research Article Open Access

Prevalence of Hypertension and its Association with Nutritional Factors Among University Students in Shah Alam, Malaysia

Authors

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Hasanain Faisal Ghazi
Community Medicine Unit, International Medical School, Management and Science University, Selangor, Malaysia
|
Maged Elnajeh
Community Medicine Unit, International Medical School, Management and Science University, Selangor, Malaysia
|
Mohammed Abdal Qader
Community Medicine Unit, International Medical School, Management and Science University, Selangor, Malaysia
|
Mohammed Faez Baobaid
Community Medicine Unit, International Medical School, Management and Science University, Selangor, Malaysia
|
Abdullah Bin Omar
Community Medicine Unit, International Medical School, Management and Science University, Selangor, Malaysia
Published on: June 15, 2017
DOI 10.3923/pjn.2017.544.549
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Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the association of nutritional and lifestyle factors with the prevalence of hypertension among University students in Shah Alam, Malaysia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among students from different departments using self-administered questionnaires that concerned socio demographic information, nutritional habits and lifestyle factors. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were recorded using calibrated equipment. Results: A total of 410 students (111 males and 299 females) participated in the study. The results showed that 41 students (10%) had hypertension and of these 51.2% were male and 48.8% were female. There was no significant association between gender and hypertension (p<0.001). However, nutritional status and waist circumference were associated with hypertension status (p<0.015, p = 0.015, respectively). After logistic regression analysis, the only two factors found to be associated with hypertension were gender and waist circumference. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension among University students in this study was 10%. Given the young age of the respondents, this prevalence is relatively high and suggests that health education program about maintaining a healthy lifestyle should be arranged for University students.

Keywords:

High risk, hypertension, nutritional factors, waist circumference, young age

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How to Cite

Ghazi, H. F., Elnajeh, M., Abdal Qader, M., Baobaid, M. F., & Omar, A. B. (2017). Prevalence of Hypertension and its Association with Nutritional Factors Among University Students in Shah Alam, Malaysia. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 16(7), 544–549. https://doi.org/10.3923/pjn.2017.544.549
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