Hypertension and its Associated Risk Factors Among Undergraduate Students in Herat City, Afghanistan

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Published Dec 27, 2024
https://doi.org/10.70436/nuijb.v3i04.365
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Vol. 3 No. 04 (2024): December

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Farida Mohammadi
Herat University
Said Abdul Ghafour Saeedy
Herat University
Nasar Ahmad Shayan
Western University
Ali Rahimi
Herat University

Abstract

Hypertension is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, stroke, renal failure, and early mortality. Despite its growing relevance, limited research exists regarding its prevalence among young adults in Afghanistan. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of hypertension and its associated risk factors among undergraduate students at Herat University. A total of 852 students from sixteen faculties were selected through a multistage stratified random sampling method. Data collection was carried out using a structured, self-administered questionnaire consisting of 25 items grouped into four domains: socio-demographic characteristics, physical and blood pressure assessments, dietary habits, and lifestyle behaviors including physical activity and smoking status. Blood pressure was measured using standard protocols, and statistical analysis was performed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. The overall prevalence of hypertension was found to be 6.5%, with male students demonstrating significantly higher rates than females. A statistically significant association was observed between elevated systolic blood pressure (defined as 130 mmHg or above) and variables such as gender, smoking, and academic year. Male participants were significantly more likely to have raised blood pressure (P < 0.001, chi-square = 34.836), and smokers also showed a meaningful increase in systolic levels (P < 0.002, chi-square = 9.252). While the results are based on a single-visit measurement, they indicate a modest but concerning prevalence of hypertension in this population. Key risk factors such as male gender, tobacco use, and being in earlier academic years suggest the importance of early preventive interventions. These findings support the need for awareness programs, screening strategies, and targeted health promotion among university students in Afghanistan.

Keywords

Herat, Hypertension, Risk, factors, Undergraduate, Students

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Author Biographies

Farida Mohammadi, Herat University

Department of Para-clinic, Faculty of Medicine, Herat University, Herat, Afghanistan

Said Abdul Ghafour Saeedy, Herat University

Department of Para-clinic, Faculty of Medicine, Herat University, Herat, Afghanistan

Nasar Ahmad Shayan, Western University

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada

Ali Rahimi, Herat University

Department of pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Herat University, Herat, Afghanistan

How to Cite
Mohammadi, F., Saeedy, S. A. G., Shayan, N. A., & Rahimi, A. (2024). Hypertension and its Associated Risk Factors Among Undergraduate Students in Herat City, Afghanistan. Nangarhar University International Journal of Biosciences, 3(04), 70–79. https://doi.org/10.70436/nuijb.v3i04.365

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