Related Experiment Videos

Prevalence of Risk Factors and Awareness of University Students regarding Hypertension and Cardiovascular Diseases in

Mona A Alfadeel1, Rahma Marium2, Noor Afif Alshakhs3

  • 1Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Almaarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Journal of Community Health
|July 23, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Hypertension risk factors like family history and obesity are present in university students. While awareness is high, targeted education is needed, especially for non-medical students, to combat rising hypertension rates.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

Background:

  • Hypertension is a leading global health concern, contributing significantly to cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths.
  • Prevalence of hypertension has dramatically increased worldwide, affecting younger populations due to evolving risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of hypertension risk factors among university students.
  • To assess student awareness of hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 634 university students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • Data collection via Google Forms questionnaire covering sociodemographics, hypertension knowledge, and CVD risk awareness.
  • Statistical analysis using SPSS, including chi-square and regression analyses (p < 0.05).

Main Results:

  • Predominant participants were female (65.5%), aged 20-22, and Saudi nationals (61.2%).
  • Identified risk factors included family history of hypertension (50.5%) and overweight/obesity (31.7%).
  • High awareness of hypertension (92.3%) and CVD risk factors (89.4%) was observed. Medical students demonstrated significantly higher awareness (OR: 3.744 for hypertension, OR: 4.594 for CVD risks).

Conclusions:

  • University students in Riyadh exhibit hypertension risk factors, notably family history and elevated BMI.
  • Despite high general awareness, targeted educational interventions are crucial for non-medical students to enhance understanding of hypertension and its associated risks.

Keywords:
AwarenessCVDHypertensionRisk factorsUniversity students

Related Concept Videos

Factors affecting Blood pressure01:28

Factors affecting Blood pressure

Several physiological and lifestyle factors influence blood pressure (BP). Understanding these factors is crucial as they are significant in patient education and blood pressure management.
Physiological Factors:
Blood Pressure01:30

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure (BP) is the pressure or force of blood exerted on the artery's walls as it circulates through the body. It is essential for maintaining blood flow throughout the body.
The average BP in an adult is typically around 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). In this measurement, the numerator (120) indicates the systolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart's ventricles as blood is expelled. The denominator (80) represents the diastolic...
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data01:23

Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data

A thorough health history and physical assessment are essential for identifying cardiovascular disease (CVD) symptoms and distinguishing them from other health issues.
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology01:29

Hypertension II: Pathophysiology

Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...