Pressão arterial, excesso de peso e nível de atividade física em estudantes de universidade pública

[Obesity and inflammation in students of a Colombian public university]

OBJECTIVE

To describe the relationship between obesity and proinflammatory variables in the student population of the University of Quindío.

METHODS

A cross-sectional descriptive study in which 155 students participated. Firstly, the glycemia was made by conventional methods, the insulinemia and the cytokines were measured by ELISA; IMC and HOMA-IR index were calculated. Then, the information was analyzed in the Statgraphics software to establish relationships between the variables were established through multiple regression and thus statistically significant difference was considered when the p value was ≤0.05.

RESULTS

The prevalence of obesity by BMI was of 4.6%, of overweight 20.5% and of abdominal obesity by waist circumference was of 18.5%. The average insulinemia was 8.5 pUI/ml ±6.4 and the HOMA-IR index was 1.75. 18.5% had insulin resistance. Interferon gamma was found at 4.6±12.0 pg/mL, IL-6 at 5.1±15.5 pg/mL and TNF alpha at 3.2±11.1 pg/mL. The greatest variation explained (R2) is presented by insulinemia, the waist/hip index and the Homa-IR index. IL-6 was the cytokine that presented the greatest variation explained.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a relationship between inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 with the waist/hip index, diastolic pressure, insulinemia and the Homa-IR index.

Epidemiology of health risk behavior among university students

Introduction: Moderate and vigorous physical activity is essential to maintain proper body composition, to reduce the risk of ischemic heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. In addition, it reduces the risk of stroke, hypertension, and depression. Even so, it is an essential determinant of energy expenditure and, therefore, fundamental for energy balance and weight control. Objective: The objective of this epidemiological study is twofold: to quantify and qualify the physical activity of students at the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT) and to compare the level of physical activity of incoming and graduating students. Methodology: The present study used the National College Health Behavior Survey (NCHRBS) questionnaire adapted and validated for use by Brazilian undergraduate students and addressed only aspects related to physical activity. Of the 18,986 students enrolled on UFMT's 5 campuses, 9,720 students accessed the questionnaire. Of these, 7,379 had their answers validated, corresponding to 75.92% of accesses or 38.87% of the universe studied. Results: This study found differences in the level of physical activity among university students, observing less physical activity on the Rondonópolis campus, less physical activity for students in the areas of Linguistics and Letters, when compared with students from other areas, less physical activity in students females when compared to males and less physical activity among freshmen compared to graduates. Conclusion: The study suggest the need for greater investment in policies to promote physical activity among university students in all areas.

Prevalencia de factores de riesgo metabólico en estudiantes universitarios latinoamericanos: una revisión sistemática

Objetivo Describir la prevalencia de factores de riesgo de tipo metabólico en estudiantes universitarios latinoamericanos a través de una revisión sistemática.Metodología Se realizó una revisión sistemática de artículos en las bases de datos electrónicas de SciELO, PubMed y Google Académico. La búsqueda incluyó referencias publicadas a partir del año 2006 en idiomas español, portugués e inglés que describieran prevalencias de los factores de riesgo mencionados en población universitaria latinoamericana.Resultados Un total de 245 referencias fueron recuperadas, de las cuales 60 fueron seleccionados para su análisis. Los estudiantes universitarios en Latinoamérica presentaron una prevalencia de factores de riesgo metabólicos que, en algunos casos, fue similar a la de la media poblacional en general.Conclusiones Es necesario que la comunidad universitaria y los Gobiernos latinoamericanos planteen estrategias que promuevan estilos de vida saludables tendientes a reducir la adquisición de conductas de riesgo durante la vida universitaria.

Is Achieving the Guidelines of Four Forms of Physical Activity Associated with Less Self-Reported Health Complaints? Cross-Sectional Study of Undergraduates at the University of Turku, Finland

Very little research has assessed the physical activity (PA) of university students in in Finland, and their associations with self-reported health complaints (HCs), whilst simultaneously accounting for a range of other potential confounders. Students at the University of Turku (1177) completed an online health and wellbeing questionnaire that assessed 22 physical and somatic HCs, and students' achievement of the international guidelines of four forms of PA (moderate, vigorous, moderate-to-vigorous and muscle strengthening PA; MPA, VPA, MVPA, MSPA respectively). We also explored the associations between HCs and PA, controlling for sociodemographic and health confounders (age, sex, year of study, marital status, accommodation during semesters, health awareness). Factor analysis reduced the HCs into three factors (psychological, pains/aches, circulatory/breathing). Bivariate relationships (no controlling for confounders) between these 3 factors and four forms of PA guideline achievement showed significant effects of achieving the PA guidelines against various groups of HCs, where more strenuous PA was associated with significantly less HCs in a step-ladder pattern. Multiple regression analyses (controlling for confounders) showed that achievement of PA guidelines was significantly independently associated with self-reported HCs scores in most cases. Psychological HCs were negatively associated with achieving any type of PA; pains/aches were negatively associated with achieving two types of PA or with achieving MSPA guidelines; and circulatory/breathing HCs were negatively associated with achieving the VPA guidelines only. This is the first study in Finland to examine such relationships, and highlights the critical role of PA for the health of these young adults. Programs and policies to strengthen and improve the PA of university students would be beneficial, recognizing the benefits of instilling life-long PA habits among this group of young adults.

[Changes in the physical activity of university students: association with health information and access to places for practicing]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate changes in the physical activity level (PAL) of students within the first two years of studies and their association with access to health information and places for physical activity.

METHODS

The sample included students who were admitted to the Federal University of Reconcavo in Bahia, Brazil, and were observed during their first two years of studies. Socioeconomic and demographic aspects, as well as body mass, height, health information and access to places for physical activity were assessed through a self-report. PAL was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and classified based on the criteria of the Research Committee for IPAQ. Chi-square test and McNemar test (p<0.05) were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The sample that participated during the entire observation period was composed of 92 students (64.1% female). The insufficiently active students ratio increased from 7.6% to 12.0% during the first two years of undergraduate studies, but this difference was not significant (p>0.05). Students who did not receive information about health care during the course of their studies were more likely to remain/become insufficiently active (p<0.001). There was no association between PAL and access to places for physical activity (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

A tendency to an increase in insufficiently active ratio during higher education was observed. Policies aimed at training students about health care in universities may be useful for increasing physical activity, thus contributing to improve the health condition of the students.

Metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and other cardiovascular risk factors in university students

A cross-sectional population-based study using questionnaire and anthropometric data was conducted on 968 university students of São Luís, Brazil, from which 590 showed up for blood collection. In the statistical analysis the Student t-test, Mann-Whitney and chi-square tests were used. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome by the Joint Interim Statement (JIS) criteria was 20.5%, almost three times more prevalent in men (32.2%) than in women (13.5%) (P < 0.001). The prevalence of insulin resistance was 7.3% and the prevalence of low HDL-cholesterol was high (61.2%), both with no statistically significant differences by sex. Men showed a higher percentage of smoking, overweight, high blood pressure, high blood glucose and increased fasting hypertriglyceridemia. Women were more sedentary. University students of private institutions had higher prevalences of sedentary lifestyle, obesity, abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides and metabolic syndrome than students from public institutions. High prevalences of metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and other cardiovascular risk factors were found in this young population. This suggests that the burden of these diseases in the future will be increased.

Determination of Factors Affecting Physical Activity Status of University Students on a Health Sciences Campus

Upon graduation, students studying in departments related to health will work in the health sector and will guide and enlighten people with their knowledge and behavior. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors affecting the physical activity (PA) conditions of university students on a health sciences campus. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 706 students in a Turkish university. The data was obtained from a survey prepared by the researchers. The 26-question survey aimed to discover the students' socio-demographic characteristics and their awareness and practices concerning PA. We found that 30% of the students engage in some type of PA during their university education. A relationship was observed concerning their current PA and their family inactivity levels, as well as between inactivity before entering the university and inactivity during their education. The presence of a chronic disease in family members does not affect student PA. A majority of the students believe PA is beneficial (98.7%), 93.9% believe it relieves stress, and 94.5% believe it helps control body weight. Although students of medicine and related disciplines are aware of the importance of proper diet and adequate levels of PA in health, they did not implement theory into practice. Thus, it is questionable how young health professionals will promote the positive effects and necessity of regular physical activity if they do not apply these activities to their own lifestyle.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus in college students: association with sociodemographic variables

Objective

identify the modifiable risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus in college students and associate these factors with their sociodemographic variables.

Method

cross-sectional study, involving 702 college students from Fortaleza-CE, Brazil. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, physical exercise data and blood pressure and fasting plasma glucose levels were collected.

Results

the most prevalent risk factor was sedentariness, followed by overweight, central obesity, high fasting plasma glucose and arterial hypertension. A statistically significant association was found between overweight and sex (p=0.000), age (p=0.004) and marital status (p=0.012), as well as between central obesity and age (p=0.018) and marital status (p=0.007) and between high fasting plasma glucose and sex (p=0.033).

Conclusion

distinct risk factors were present in the study population, particularly sedentariness and overweight.

Positive association between waist-to-height ratio and hypertension in adolescents

INTRODUCTION

The obesity and overweight epidemic, together with increasing cardiovascular disease, represent a major public health problem worldwide, and their occurrence in childhood and adolescence has increased in recent decades. The objective of this study was to assess the association between waist-to-height ratio (WHR) and the incidence of hypertension in adolescents.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study of adolescents aged 10-17 years of both sexes attending municipal schools in inland Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Using a secondary database, weight and height measurements, blood pressure, and waist circumference (WC) were analyzed and body mass index (BMI) and WHR were calculated. Blood pressure was classified according to the Brazilian hypertension guidelines, BMI according to the curves of the World Health Organization, and WC according to Taylor et al. The cutoff used for WHR was 0.50 for both sexes.

RESULTS

Of the 1030 adolescents studied, 29.6% (305) presented overweight/obesity and 30.4% (313) had hypertension; 24% (247) had high WC and 18.3% (189) presented high WHR. Participants with WHR ≥0.50 were 2.4 times more likely to have hypertension than those with WHR <0.50 (OR 2.39; 95% CI 1.73-3.32; p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

A positive association was found between WHR and the presence of hypertension in adolescents.

CHANGE IN BLOOD PRESSURE LEVELS IN COLLEGE STUDENTS

The aim in this study was to evaluate the pressure levels in college students and their relation with socioeconomic level, lifestyle and biochemical data. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study, conducted with 550 students from a public university in Picos-PI, in 2013. A form containing socioeconomic data, lifestyle, waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting serum glucose, triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol was applied. We observed elevated blood pressure levels in 21.5% of males and 2.2% of females, with significant representation (p<0.0001). There was a statistically significant association for smoking (p<0.0001) and alcohol consumption (p<0.0001) with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as for waist circumference (p=0.0039). When considering the quality of life for the coming years, it is important to note the need to implement measures that promote changes in lifestyle with the acquisition of healthy habits.

Hypertension and associated factors among university students in Gondar, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Hypertension causes considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, evidences on the burden of hypertension and associated factors are lacking among college students in resource-poor settings. This study measured the prevalence of hypertension and associated factors among university students in Gondar, Ethiopia.

METHODS

Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected college students in Gondar, Ethiopia. Trained data collectors administered a pre-tested and structured WHO STEPS questionnaire for data collection. Data were entered using the EPI INFO version 2002 a statistical soft ware. Stata version 11.0 was also employed for descriptive and logistics regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 610 college students were screened for hypertension of which 453 (74.4%) were male and 157(25.6%) female with the male to female sex ratio of 2.9:1. The prevalence of hypertension was 7.7%. Higher rates of hypertension were observed among male [AOR: 3.12, 95% CI (1.16- 8.36)], overweight [AOR: 6.92, 95% CI; (2.65-18.07)] and participants who had sleep duration of ≤ 5 hours [AOR: 3.48, 95% CI (1.69-7.15)].

CONCLUSIONS

A high burden of hypertension was observed among college students in Gondar, Ethiopia. Male sex, overweight and sleep duration of ≤ 5 hours were identified as independent risk factors for the disease. Preventive measures, such as increasing awareness and early screening for the disease in young adults warranted.

[Correlation between anthropometric indicators and sleep quality among Brazilian university students]

The current study investigated the correlation between anthropometric indicators and sleep quality among Brazilian university students using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. A cross-sectional assessment with 702 university students was conducted between March 2010 and June 2011. Results showed that cases of obesity were more frequent among students who were good sleepers. On the other hand, overweight and high cervical and abdominal circumference was most prominent among poor sleepers. Thus, apart from the damage caused by sleep disorders alone, additional risks due to the association between poor sleep quality and being overweight, central obesity, and increased cervical perimeter are highlighted.

Association between moment of the undergraduate course and cardiovascular risk factors in university students

AIM

This study aimed to verify the association between moment of the undergraduate course and cardiovascular risk factors in a representative sample of university students.

METHODS

A total of 1,599 university students (1,197 freshmen and 402 seniors) were investigated for the following risk factors: insufficient practice of physical activity, tobacco and alcohol consumption, poor eating habits, excess body weight, increased waist circumference and elevated arterial pressure. Information regarding the practice of physical activity were obtained using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) instrument, the behaviors using the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance, and the socio-environmental information using the methodology of the Associação Brasileira de Empresas de Pesquisa (Brazilian Association of Research Companies).

RESULTS

A significantly higher probability of presenting the following risk factors was verified among the senior students: insufficient practice of physical activity, smoked, consumed alcohol or drank alcohol in excess within the last thirty days.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that students closer to the end of the undergraduate course show a higher possibility of presenting some cardiovascular risk factors than those just entering the university environment. Therefore, prevention programs and health promotion during the undergraduate course should be investigated.

A telehealth strategy for increasing adherence in the treatment of hypertension in primary care

OBJECTIVE

This study describes and analyzes a telehealth strategy for Family Health Teams (FHTs) providing primary care services. This strategy aimed to increase the adherence to the treatment of hypertension.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We conducted a before-after study that enrolled 21 professionals and 502 hypertensive patients in two of the Family Health Units connected to our Telehealth Center Network. Seminars addressing the treatment adherence of hypertension were offered by Web conferences, for a period of 6 months, to the FHTs. The adherence to antihypertensive drugs, low salt diet, and physical activity was measured by specific questionnaires. The rates of adherence were assessed before and after a continuing education program (CEP). After the telehealth intervention, 17 professionals and 465 patients were re-evaluated.

RESULTS

The participation in the question and answer session, after the seminar, was significant. The qualitative evaluation of the sessions by FHTs showed 87.5% of great/good. There was a trend toward a greater critical understanding of the results and targets set for the team, although at insignificant levels. The rates of adherence to antihypertensive medication, physical activity, and sodium control, before and after the CEP, were 37.8% versus 46.7% (p<0.004), 90.3% versus 89.9% (p=0.90), and 92.2% versus 96.3% (p<0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The adherence to antihypertensive drugs and low salt diet improved after the CEP. Preliminarily, this telehealth strategy suggests a positive impact on hypertensive patients.

Prática de atividade física entre estudantes de graduação em enfermagem

OBJETIVO: Comparar a prática de atividade física entre estudantes de graduação em enfermagem ingressantes e concluintes. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal desenvolvido com amostra de 154 estudantes. Os instrumentos de pesquisa foram um questionário com dados sociodemográficos e da vida acadêmica e para os dados sobre a prática de atividade física utilizou-se o questionário internacional sobre atividade física. Para a análise dos dados empregou-se estatísticas descritivas e para as análises bivariadas o teste de Qui-quadrado de Pearson, Exato de Fischer. RESULTADOS: Identificou-se predomínio de ingressantes do sexo feminino com idade entre 20 a 24 anos, solteiros. Houve predominância do padrão sedentário. Houve diferença estatisticamente significante para tempo gasto sentado e ano em curso (p=0,010). CONCLUSÃO: O padrão sedentário mostrou-se predominante para os grupos de estudantes ingressantes e concluintes do curso. Houve diferença estatisticamente significante para tempo gasto sentado e ano em curso, com maior percentual para ingressantes.

Prevalence and risk factors of obesity and hypertension among students at a central university in the West Bank

Objectives

We aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of obesity and hypertension (HTN) among students at a central university in the West Bank.

Materials and methods

This cross-sectional study targeted a cohort of 553 students (59.5% males, 40.5% females) aged 17–26 years (median = 21) from Al-Quds University. Body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) were measured. Participants completed a questionnaire on physical activity, sedentary behavior, dietary factors, smoking and family history of obesity, HTN, and coronary artery disease. The magnitude of correlation was assessed by Spearman's rho (r_s) and Chi-square tests.

Results

The prevalence of overweight was 25% (31.1% males, 15.6% females) and obesity 7.2% (9.4% males, 4% females). Obesity and overweight were associated with family history of obesity in both genders (p<0.001) and physical activity in males (r_s= − 0.162, p<0.005). No correlation was demonstrated between participants’ BMI and sedentary lifestyle or consumption of fast food. Pre-HTN was detected in 27.1% (38% males, 11.2% females) and HTN in 2.2% (3.3% males, 0.4% females). Pre-HTN and HTN were associated with obesity (r_s=0.252, p<0.001) and smoking (p<0.05). No relationship was detected between students’ BP and sedentary behavior, family history of HTN/CAD, or consumption of fast food. The prevalence of increased BMI and BP among males was significantly higher than females (p<0.001).

Conclusions

We detected a high prevalence of elevated BP and excess weight gain among students at Al-Quds University. An interventional program is urgently needed to control these cardiovascular risk factors in this community.

Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among University Students: The Gender Factor

Background

Evidence indicates that the pathophysiological process of cardiovascular (CV) disease begins at early age, though the manifestations of the disease do not appear until middle age adulthood. Risk factors for CV disease, particularly lipoprotein profiles, are affected by physiological abnormalities, and lifestyle related issues. To evaluate prevalence of CV diseases risk factors among university students and to investigate relation between number of risk factors and body anthropometric, hematological and biochemical indices parameters.

Methods

In this cross sectional study, 348 students were randomly recruited. Blood glucose, cholesterol profile (total, HDL, and LDL cholesterol), and triglyceride were measured using standard protocols. Physical activity (PA) level was assessed using the short-form Arabic version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaires (IPAQ).

Results

The most commonly encountered CV disease risk factor was low levels of HDL-C, followed by physical inactivity, high levels TG, and obese BMI. When stratified by gender, females were less likely to have low HDL-C, and high TG, whereas, males were more likely to have overweight or obese BMI (P < 0.001). About 49% of the participants had at least one CV disease risk factor, where as the prevalence of having one, two and three or more CV disease risk factors were 35.7%, 9.3% and 4%, respectively. Additionally, the number of CV disease risk factors showed strong positive correlation with increases in body fat and bone percentages, glucose, total cholesterol, TG, LDL-C, BMI, and WHR (range of R²: 0.17 to 0.603). On the other hand, physical activity, percentages of body water and muscle, HDL-C showed inverse strong correlation with cardiovascular risk factors (range of R²: -0.239 to -0.412).

Conclusions

Results indicate the high prevalence of CV disease risk factors among university students, and stress the need for early intervention programs to counteract these risks.

An analysis of risk factors for arterial hypertension in adolescent students

The objective of the study was to evaluate some risk factors for increases in systemic arterial blood pressure. This transversal study was carried out with 145 individuals from 12 to 18 years of age at two state schools in the city of Pico in the state of Piauí in Brazil. The majority were female (62.8%). The median age was 14.8 years (±3.19). It was ascertained that 13 of the subjects (9.0%) were overweight [CI% 73.0-86.0]. Elevations in waist circumference were found in 31 (21.4%) and 76 (52.4%) had elevated arterial blood levels. There was no statistically-significant association between the above-cited risk factors and gender (p=0.088; 0.999; 0.204, respectively). However, 44.8% of the adolescents had at least one risk factor associated with arterial hypertension; 15.9% had two, and 2.1% had three. The study confirms the influence of the risk factors on arterial pressure values among adolescents. Being aware of these factors means that nurses can intervene with health education measures.