Urban Lifestyle and Hypertension: An Institution-based Study among Staff and Students of University of Lucknow
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Abstract
Introduction: Hypertension is a major non-communicable disease and an important public health concern worldwide. Rapid urbanization and lifestyle changes, including physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, obesity, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, stress, and excess salt intake, have increased the risk of hypertension among urban populations.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension and its association with socio-demographic and urban lifestyle factors among staff and students of the University of Lucknow.
Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 staff and students of the University of Lucknow. Data were collected using a structured pre-tested questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure readings were recorded using standard procedures. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Frequencies, percentages, and chi-square tests were used to assess associations.
Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 19.5%, while 11.5% of participants were pre-hypertensive. Hypertension was significantly higher among staff members compared to students. Significant associations were found between hypertension and increasing age, physical inactivity, higher BMI, high-risk Waist-Hip Ratio, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, extra salt intake, and family history of hypertension.
Conclusion: The study concludes that urban lifestyle factors play an important role in hypertension among university populations. Regular screening, health education, lifestyle modification, physical activity promotion, dietary control, and stress management programs are recommended to reduce hypertension risk within academic institutions.
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