The prevalence of some modifiable cardiovascular risk factors among second stage medical students

Abstract

Objective: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors is increasing in general population and among university students as well. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of some modifiable cardiovascular risk factors among second stage medical students at the College of Medicine, University of Babylon, Iraq. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 148 second stage medical students were enrolled in the study. A well-structured questionnaire was designed to collect demographics and data related to the prevalence of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors from participants. These risk factors comprised hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and stress. Results: Cardiovascular risk factors were prevalent among medical students namely smoking (21%), obesity (17.6%), overweight (21.2%), physical inactivity (65.5%), unhealthy diet (64.9%) and stress (45.9%) while there were no cases of hypertension, diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney diseases reported. Smoking was more prevalent in males (P<0.001) while physical inactivity was more prevalent in females (P<0.001). Significant positive correlations were observed among gender, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy food and stress (Phi correlation coefficient 0.2-0.65). Conclusion: Many non-modifiable cardiovascular risk factors are prevalent among medical students. An efficient educational and preventive programs are required to reduce the prevalence of these risk factors as well as to minimize long-term morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: Cardiovascular, risk factors, students