Frequency of hypertension risk factors and level of knowledge among university students of twin cities in Pakistan

Abstract

Background: In Pakistan there is a high prevalence of hypertensive individuals. Identification of risk factors and their knowledge in young population could be advantageous. Objectives: To find the frequency of hypertension risk factors and level of knowledge among university students of twin cities within Pakistan. Methods: A cross sectional observational study was conducted among university students in twin cities of Pakistan. The sample size was 475. Male and female students with ages ranging from 18 to 30 years with no diagnosed cases of pulmonary and cardiac issues, cancer, physically disabled and impaired cognition were selected to fill the questionnaire. The WHO STEPS instrument was used to get the relevant information needed for this study which included demographics, tobacco use, diet, physical activity, and history of raised blood pressure, history of diabetes and also height and weight. Results: Out of 475 participants there were 235 (49%) males and 240 (51%) females. Knowledge score of 460 (96.8%) university students was poor. On the other hand, the frequency of risk factors was not found to be significant in this population. Conclusion: The study concluded that, although the frequency of risk factors for hypertension is low, university students of twin cities have poor knowledge regarding modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors of hypertension.