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Anthropometric indices and its association with hypertension among young medical students: A 2 year cross-sectional study.

Authors :
Lahole S
Rawekar R
Kumar S
Acharya S
Wanjari A
Gaidhane S
Agrawal S
Source :
Journal of family medicine and primary care [J Family Med Prim Care] 2022 Jan; Vol. 11 (1), pp. 281-286. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Jan 31.
Publication Year :
2022

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity, defined on the basis of anthropometric measures is a global epidemic and threatening to healthy population worldwide. A research from China among young adults (20--44 years) recorded six and two times the risk of hypertension (HTN) in individuals who were obese and overweight, respectively, relative to normal weight individuals. This study highlights about anthropometric indices and its association with HTN among young medical students at rural medical college.<br />Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 1,000 medical students had been enrolled. Anthropometric indices like body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist to hip ratio (WHR), neck circumference (NC) as per South East Asian guidelines were measured in all students.<br />Results: Among young medical students, the prevalence of obesity defined by BMI, WC, WHR, and NC was 46.5%, 32.4%, 57.3%, and 8.4%. Among males, there was significant positive correlation of BMI with SBP ( P < 0.0001) and DBP ( P < 0.0001), whereas WC ( P < 0.0001) and WHR ( P = 0.012) had positive and significant correlation with SBP but not with DBP. Correlation of NC with SBP and DBP was negative but did not reach statistical significance ( P = 0.266 and P = 0.670, respectively). Among females, there was significant positive correlation of BMI with SBP ( P < 0.0001) and DBP ( P < 0.0001), WC had significant positive correlation with SBP ( P < 0.0001,) and DBP ( P < 0.0001). Correlation of WHR was significant with DBP ( P = 0.002) but not with SBP ( P = 0.055).<br />Conclusion: The prevalence of HTN in this study was 9.8% in young medical students overall and varies according to anthropometric indices. The prevalence rate varies in males and females depending on the anthropometric measures.<br />Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.<br /> (Copyright: © 2022 Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2249-4863
Volume :
11
Issue :
1
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Journal of family medicine and primary care
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
35309623
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1231_21