Anemia and Cardiometabolic Risk in Indian University Students: Findings from a Health Screening Program.

Abstract

Background: College students represent a population that is considered clinically at low risk; yet, early adulthood constitutes a crucial time point when nutritional and metabolic risks manifest themselves. This retrospective observational study evaluated anemia, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI) characteristics of college students undergoing a health screening examination organized by their university in India.

Methods: Anonymized electronic health records were analyzed for 13,628 college students between the ages of 18 and 30 years old attending annual health screening from 1 June 2023 to 31 May 2024. The sample consisted of 77.2% of the eligible students. BMI, blood pressure, and hemoglobin levels were classified according to international standards. Gender-based differences were explored through chi-square tests and Cramer's V measures. Association between anemia and screening-confirmed hypertension was assessed using Pearson correlations and multiple logistic regression. In addition, model discrimination, calibration, classification parameters, and internal validation were evaluated.

Results: There were 7,012 (51.5%) female students and 6,616 (48.5%) male students in the sample population. In total, 47.3% of the students were either overweight or obese, 8,081 (59.3%) fulfilled the criteria for high blood pressure according to the ACC/AHA guidelines, while 7,227 (53.0%) fulfilled WHO guidelines for anemia based on gender. Hypertension screening was also more common among men (66.6%) compared to women (52.4%; p < 0.001). In the adjusted models, being male was significantly linked with anemia and hypertension screening, while being overweight was significantly linked with hypertension screening.

Conclusion: This study showed the high prevalence of undiagnosed anemia and cardiometabolic risks among university students, suggesting the importance of health promoting universities in systematic screening programs and follow-ups.