Evaluation of the Blood Pressure Patterns and Cardiovascular Indices among Female Medical and Non-medical Students at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, South-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, heart rate, physical activity, diet, and sleep are important indicators of cardiovascular health among university students. This study evaluated cardiovascular indices and lifestyle patterns among female medical and non-medical students at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. A total of 271 students, comprising 193 medical and 78 non-medical students, participated. Data were collected using questionnaires and physiological measurements and were analysed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 29. Mean diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure differed significantly between the groups, with higher values among non-medical students (p < 0.05). Systolic blood pressure did not differ significantly as a continuous variable; however, systolic blood pressure of at least 140 mmHg was more prevalent among non-medical students than among medical students (5.1% versus 0.5%; p = 0.011). Lifestyle patterns also differed, particularly in relation to sleep and stress-coping practices. Among medical students, BMI was positively correlated with mean arterial pressure (Kendall’s tau-b = 0.229, p < 0.001), whereas the corresponding association among non-medical students was not statistically significant. These findings indicate measurable differences in selected cardiovascular indices and health-related behaviours between the groups. Regular cardiovascular screening, health education, adequate sleep, physical activity, and appropriate stress-management practices should be encouraged among university students.