Unhealthy Lifestyle and Nutritional Habits Are Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases Regardless of Professed Religion in University Students

Abstract

To date, few studies have evaluated the possible association between religion and nutritional habits, lifestyle and cardiovascular risk in the university population. This study identified differences in the eating habits of Christian and Muslim university students and determined a possible association between the impact of religion on their lifestyles and the parameters related to cardiovascular risk. A cross-sectional study was performed with a sample population of 257 students (22.4 ± 4.76 year) at the campus of the University of Granada in Melilla (Spain). An anthropometric evaluation and a dietary assessment were performed. Blood pressure was also measured. There was a higher prevalence of overweight (29.1%) among Christian university students. The prevalence of pre-hypertension was similar between Christians and Muslims (48.3%) but was higher among Christian males (74.5%). Christian students presented higher levels of visceral fat. Students of both religions ingested carbohydrates, saturated fatty acids and total cholesterol, proteins, sodium and alcohol in excess. Significant positive correlations were found between food energy, sweets, snacks, soft drinks and body mass index (BMI) in both sexes and between the consumption of sausages-fatty meats and the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and body adiposity index (BAI) variables. Muslim students were less likely to consume alcohol (odds ratio [OR] = 7.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.27, 14.54). Christian and Muslim students presented improvable lifestyles and intake patterns. The high intake of saturated fatty acids, total cholesterol, sodium and alcohol in Christian students could lead to the early development of cardiovascular disease.

The Lifestyle of Saudi Medical Students

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Sex-differences in Mediterranean diet: a key piece to explain sex-related cardiovascular risk in obesity? A cross-sectional study

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Effect of Nutrition Education on Health Science University Students to Improve Cardiometabolic Profile and Inflammatory Status

“…They are, therefore, an important target population for the Nutrients 2023, 15, 4685 2 of 15 promotion of healthy lifestyles to reduce the risk of developing chronic non-communicable disease in adulthood [10]. The inadequate lifestyle associated with university life can have a negative impact on various cardiometabolic factors [11]. González Sandoval et al (2014) [12] found that among Mexican university students, 61.3%, 22.6% and 32.7% had elevated LDL-cholesterol levels (>100 mg/dL), elevated total cholesterol values (200 mg/dL) and overweight/obesity, respectively.…”