Assessing the Health Status of Students at Université Des Montagnes in Cameroon

Abstract

Introduction:We usually believe that young adults in general, are a population that is healthier. As a result, in low middle income countries, public health policy-makers pay little attention to student's health status. However, this assumption may undermine the academic performance of some college students.Objective: The aim of our study is to describe the health status of the UdM students, during the 2016-2017 academic year. Methods:We used a multi-stratified random sample of about five hundred students. We assessed both clinical and biological data available in the students' health records.Results: When considering signs and symptoms of disease based on clinical and biological findings, about 25.0% of students were in good health. The proportions of clinical signs and symptoms varied between 0.4 to 21.9%, with high blood pressure prevailing the most. Students who drank alcohol beverages from occasional to frequent use, were estimated at 34.8%. The prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus was 12.8% and 1.4% respectively; while 12.4% of blood sugar was above the cutting point of 1.20 g/l and 8.0% of students were overweight. Anemia from all etiologies was estimated at 15.5%; allergy, cardio-pulmonary, and digestive disorders were found at 14.8%, 13.1% and 10.6% respectively. Conclusion:Findings from this pioneered research in a low middle income country raised awareness that college students in UdM, like their counterparts elsewhere, are experiencing health disparities; calling public health decision-makers to increase their actions for better care and value in student's health.