Risk factors for the development of hypertension in medical students of the college of vocational studies in Subotica

Abstract

Arterial hypertension belongs to the group of the most common cardiovascular diseases and represents elevated blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg. A significant risk factor for the development of hypertension is improper diet, lack of physical activity, excess body weight or consumption of alcohol and cigarettes. The aim of this work was to evaluate the level of blood pressure and the risk factors of hypertension present among student population. The research was conducted in the form of a cross-sectional study among students of the College of Vocational Studies in Subotica, during summer semester 2022. The research instrument was a survey questionnaire designed for the needs of this study, as well as a digital "Microlife" tensiometer. The SPSS 20 program was used for statistical analysis. 33 students participated in the research, mostly women (91%), average age 26 years. The average systolic arterial blood pressure of the subjects was 118/74 mmHg. In 15% of the subjects, we found elevated systolic blood pressure, and in 18%, elevated diastolic blood pressure. The conducted research revealed the presence of risk factors in daily habits, such as smoking in two thirds of respondents, habits of subsequent salting of food and consumption of sweets, coffee in more than half of respondents. In order to reduce these impacts, it is necessary to carry out health and educational work with the younger population in order to raise awareness about the prevention of hypertension.