Prevalence Of Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension And Hyperlipidemia Among Students And Employees In University Of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a common but chronic condition that can cause death, and is seen as a substantial source of disability and health costs. A balance between prevention and intervention, as is the case with other infectious diseases, is the best way to stem the increasing burden of CVD. Objective: This study assesses the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia in students and employees in a sample from the University of Tabuk. Methods: A crosssectional study was done in 2015, with 120 employees and students at the University of Tabuk (in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia), for those over age 20 (60 males and 60 females) from different facilities and departments at the university. Findings: Blood testing was done with 120 participants to assess the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia at the University of Tabuk, in which the prevalence is actually higher than in most cities of Saudi Arabia. Ten percent of participants are hyperglycemic and 10% are developing problems in that area, with no significant difference between males and females. The overall percent of abnormal cholesterol levels is 17.5%. The mean total cholesterol level for female participants is significantly higher than that of males (160.1 vs. 157.3, p < 0.047). Conclusion: This information shows that cardiovascular risk factors will influence those with major health disorders in the future. Consequently, a nationwide campaign encouraging wholesome eating, better lifestyles, as well as physical activity, is a healthcare priority.

Prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension and its associated cardioembolic risk factors; a population based cross-sectional study in Alkharj, Saudi Arabia

“…The present study highlights major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in Saudi Arabia among the general, healthy population of Al Kharj. The overall estimated prevalence of hypertension presented in this report is significantly lower when compared to previous nationally conducted studies [ 10 ] except for the older age group that exhibited a compatible number [ 10 , 13 , 19 ]. The overall proportion of pre-hypertension seems to be alarmingly higher than previous reports among all age groups [ 9 , 20 ].…”

Anthropometric and Biochemical Parameters in Relation to Dietary Habits as Early Indicator of Cardiovascular Impairment in Young Adult Cohort

“…Unhealthy dietary choices and nutrition, physical inactivity, cigarette smoking, and heavy alcohol consumption are harmful habits contributing to increasing prevalence of obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and several types of cancer in all industrialized countries [ 6 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ]. The most common unhealthy dietary habits among students are irregular/skipped meals paired with fried food consumption, low fruits, and vegetables intake and frequent snacks in between meals [ 39 ], which is in accordance with our results.…”

“…Hyperlipidemia is one of the main causes of increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. Hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia (can occur individually or in combination) are the most common disorders globally, and can be prevented by certain lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, low-fat diet, and consumption of food rich in fiber [ 6 , 43 , 44 , 45 ]. As suggested by Tsai et al (2020) [ 46 ], there is a decreased incidence of CVD later in life when leading a healthy lifestyle in young adulthood.…”

“…While optimal nutrition contributes to health, wellbeing, and normal development [ 1 , 2 ], an unbalanced, nutrient-poor diet accompanied by sedentary lifestyle and harmful habits, consequently, leads to greater risk of developing a variety of chronic diseases including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Higher body mass index (BMI) and weight problems in youth, usually linked to poor diet, are likely to cause hypertension and other cardiovascular problems together with reduced quality of life in future [ 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”

“…Accurate dietary assessment (DA) is essential for gathering data on food consumption, dietary habits and nutritional status at the population and individual level [ 21 ]. Alongside measurements of anthropometric and biochemical parameters and clinical examination, DA is a necessary tool in prediction of chronic disease’s risk and in overall health promotion [ 3 , 4 , 6 , 22 ]. Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQ) and 24-h recalls (24HR) are the most frequently used methods in dietary and nutrition research [ 4 , 23 ] Therefore, the main objective of the present study was to assess dietary habits and health status in a sample of medical students’ population with an assembled dietary assessment questionnaire that is easy and fast to fill out by our volunteering participants.…”