Prehypertension and associated factors among university students in the Philippines

Abstract

Abstract Background: Prehypertension is a new category of blood pressure, and is considered a cardiovascular risk factor. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of prehypertension and its associated factors in young adults in the Philippines. Methods: Undergraduate university students from all areas of study in the University of the Philippines-Visayas were invited to participate. Prehypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure between 120 and 139 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure between 80 and 89 mm Hg. Blood pressure, anthropometric, health behavior, and psychosocial stress variables were measured. Results: A total of 754 university students were included in the analysis (mean age, 18.3±1.4 years, 74.3% women). Prehypertension prevalence was 13.9% (36.1% in men, 6.8% in women), and hypertension prevalence was 2.4% (6.6% in men, 1.1% in women). The condition of prehypertension was associated with body mass index obesity (OR: 5.14, CI: 2.70 to 9.79), male gender (OR: 9.41, CI: 5.41 to 16.36), living off campus on their own (OR: 3.18, CI: 1.35 to 7.48), living with parents or guardians (OR: 2.83, CI: 1.20 to 6.60), and 19 years of age (OR: 2.81, CI: 1.55 to 5.11). Conclusion: One out of every 7 young adults presented with prehypertension. This condition is associated with established risk factors.