Cardiovascular disease risk factors among undergraduate medical students in a tertiary care centre of eastern India: a pilot study

Abstract

Background Handful studies report the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among medical students from India and none from the eastern part of the country. Aim To estimate the prevalence of risk factors of CVD and their correlation with CVD risk ratio among the MBBS students from eastern India. Methods 433 students were studied. International Physical Activity Questionnaire-long form was used for assessment of physical activity and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) to elicit psychological stress levels. Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) was calculated. Total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein ratio was calculated as the CVD risk ratio. Results 39.3% were women and 68.6% of the subjects were in junior classes. 22.4% subjects had high PSS while 30% performed low physical activity. Tobacco and alcohol intake was prevalent in 29.3% and 21.0% respectively. High CVD risk ratio was found in 14.3%. Most risk factors were more prevalent among juniors except diabetes. Among the non-overweight and non-obese subjects there was a significant positive correlation between WHtR and CVD risk score (R = 0.33, p < 0.001). 82.7% of the variance in CVD risk ratio could be explained by WHtR, Body mass index, Triglycerides and Low-density lipoprotein (F(7, 425) = 296.085), of which LDL (β = 0.755) contributed the most. Conclusions High prevalence of different modifiable CVD risk factors revealed among the subjects in this study is concerning. WHtR appears promising as an independent early predictor of CVD risk in Indian population. A dedicated CVD risk assessment tool for the young population is necessary.

Diabetes Susceptibility Assessment Using the Indian Diabetes Risk Score: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study on Young Medical Students in Chennai, South India

“…Our data highlighted that 88% of the students consumed fruits at least once daily, with nearly 88% consuming one to two servings, and 91% reported daily vegetable consumption. These findings are in line with prior research conducted in India [ 19 , 20 ].…”

Prospective analysis of the major risk factors and vascular status in students during the period of education at a medical university

“…Среди американских студентов более половины отличаются наличием 1-го и более ФР [23]. В результате обследования 433 индийских студентов старших курсов [9] выявлено, что 22,4% испытуемых имели высокий уровень стресса и 30,1% отличались гиподинамией. Потребление табака и алкоголя выявлено в 29,3% и 21,0% случаев, соответственно.…”

“…Поэтому крайне необходимо развивать систему массового и раннего выявления ФР среди молодёжи, а также динамического наблюдения за их развитием, в т.ч. на протяжении периода обучения молодых людей [9][10][11]. Подобных работ крайне мало, хотя уже показано, что юношеская характеристика профиля ФР, включая сосудистую жесткость (СЖ), которая является главной детерминантой сосудистого старе- Так, курение табака устанавливалось при ежедневном выкуривании по крайней мере одной сигареты и более; нерациональное питание -при избыточном потреблении в пищу жиров, углеводов, недостаточном потреблении фруктов и овощей (<400 грамм или <4-6 порций в сут.…”

Awareness of Heart-Related Diseases and Associated Risk Factors among Medical Students in India: A Survey

“…The CVD risk ratio was found to be high at 14.33%. Except for diabetes, most risk factors were more common in juniors [14].…”