Predictors of Hypertension in a Population of Undergraduate Students in Sierra Leone
Joint Authors
Lebbie, Aiah
Wadsworth, Richard
Saidu, Janette
Bangura, Camilla
Source
International Journal of Hypertension
Issue
Vol. 2017, Issue 2017 (31 Dec. 2017), pp.1-10, 10 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2017-08-03
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
10
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
We report on the first survey of hypertension in undergraduates in Sierra Leone.
Levels of hypertension (12%) and obesity (4%) appear low compared to the general population but given the rapid increase of both and the expectation that many graduates will enter the formal employment sector and a sedentary lifestyle, there is still cause for concern.
We measured their BMI (body mass index) and used a questionnaire to investigate demographic and lifestyle choices.
In agreement with most authorities, we found that BMI and age were statistically significant predictors of systolic and diastolic blood pressure but that the explanatory power was low (r=0.21 to 0.27).
Men may be more sensitive than women to an increase in BMI on blood pressure (p<0.1).
We failed to find statistically significant relationships with ethnicity, religion, stress, course of study, levels of physical activity, diet, smoking, or consumption of caffeine and alcohol.
Family history of hypertension, consumption of red palm oil, and self-diagnosed attacks of typhoid fever were close to conventional levels of significance (p<0.1).
We intend to use this as a baseline for longitudinal studies to assess risks and suggest appropriate public health action.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Lebbie, Aiah& Wadsworth, Richard& Saidu, Janette& Bangura, Camilla. 2017. Predictors of Hypertension in a Population of Undergraduate Students in Sierra Leone. International Journal of Hypertension،Vol. 2017, no. 2017, pp.1-10.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1167404
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Lebbie, Aiah…[et al.]. Predictors of Hypertension in a Population of Undergraduate Students in Sierra Leone. International Journal of Hypertension No. 2017 (2017), pp.1-10.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1167404
American Medical Association (AMA)
Lebbie, Aiah& Wadsworth, Richard& Saidu, Janette& Bangura, Camilla. Predictors of Hypertension in a Population of Undergraduate Students in Sierra Leone. International Journal of Hypertension. 2017. Vol. 2017, no. 2017, pp.1-10.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1167404
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1167404