Pre-hypertension and Associated Risk Factors Among Undergraduate Medical Students in Chengalpattu District: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a major global health concern, with cardiovascular conditions being a leading contributor. Medical students are exposed to greater stress in terms of longer course duration as well as academic stress. Medical professionals adopt unhealthy lifestyles and end up developing chronic diseases at a younger age. This study screens such a vulnerable population for hypertension and aids in early diagnosis. Hypertension plays a key role in this burden, and its early stage (pre-hypertension) is recognized as a significant risk factor for developing full-blown hypertension and related complications. This study focuses on assessing the prevalence of pre-hypertension and identifying its associated factors among undergraduate medical students in South India. Aim To assess the prevalence of pre-hypertension among undergraduate medical college students in Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu, India. This study also aims to find out the various risk factors associated with pre-hypertension among undergraduate medical college students in Chengalpattu district. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 students from a medical college in Chengalpattu district. Participants were selected randomly, and data were collected using a pretested and structured questionnaire. Results Among the 350 study participants, 28% had pre-hypertension, 67.7% were normotensive, and 4.3% had stage 1 hypertension and were excluded from treatment. Pre-hypertension was significantly associated with age above 22 (AOR =1.833), in the final year (AOR = 2.107), smoking (AOR = 2.755), stress (AOR = 3.822), poor sleep (AOR = 1.983), inactivity (AOR = 2.738), and family history of hypertension (AOR = 2.186). Stress (AOR = 3.822) and smoking were the strongest predictors (AOR = 2.755). Stress and smoking were the strongest predictors but could not be quantified. Researchers could further explore this and create awareness. The study highlights the need for early intervention in high-risk groups. Conclusion The high prevalence of pre-hypertension and its strong links to both modifiable and demographic risk factors among medical students highlight the need for timely and focused preventive measures. The medical curriculum could adopt screening health campaigns and life skill education workshops. Early screening, lifestyle interventions, and stress management initiatives within academic settings are crucial in mitigating long-term cardiovascular risks and ensuring the health of future healthcare professionals.

Keywords: adolescent health; elevated hypertension; non-communicable disease; perceived stress; systemic hypertension; young adults.

Figure 1. Flowchart of sampling procedure

Figure 2. Grades of hypertension