Family history with hypertension

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The Incidence of Hypertension in Students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, Class of 2020

Introduction

Hypertension, often referred to as the "silent killer," is a medical condition characterized by high blood pressure. It is one of the most common health challenges in the community, yet many people are unaware of this condition. Every year, the number of cases of hypertension continues to increase significantly due to the number of cases that are not diagnosed. This study aims to determine the incidence of hypertension among students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, class of 2020.

Background

The Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, is one of the leading medical institutions in the region. The students of this faculty are expected to become future health workers, equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide quality healthcare services. However, the incidence of hypertension among these students is a concern that needs to be addressed. Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death worldwide. Therefore, it is essential to identify the incidence of hypertension among students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, and to determine the risk factors associated with this condition.

Methodology

This study used a quantitative approach with a Lintang cutting study design, involving 76 respondents out of a total of 264 students of the Faculty of Medicine. The study was conducted from September to October 2023. The data collection tools used were a questionnaire and a blood pressure measurement device. The questionnaire was designed to collect data on the demographic characteristics of the respondents, their lifestyle habits, and their medical history. The blood pressure measurement device was used to measure the blood pressure of the respondents.

Results

The results of this study showed that the incidence of hypertension among the students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, class of 2020 was 1.51%. This figure is relatively low compared to the national average. However, the majority of the respondents (46.1%) experienced pre-hypertension, which is an initial indicator that shows that individuals are at high risk for developing hypertension in the future.

The risk factors identified in this study include:

Female sex: 65.8% of the respondents were female, which is a higher percentage compared to the national average.
Young adult age groups: 50% of the respondents were between the ages of 21-22 years, which is a high-risk age group for hypertension.
Family history with hypertension: 48.7% of the respondents had a family history of hypertension, which is a significant risk factor for developing hypertension.
Body mass index (BMI): 13.2% of the respondents had a BMI that indicated overweight, which is a risk factor for hypertension.
Smoking: 7.9% of the respondents were smokers, which is a significant risk factor for hypertension.
Alcohol consumption: 2.6% of the respondents consumed alcohol, which is a risk factor for hypertension.
Excessive coffee consumption: 50% of the respondents consumed excessive amounts of coffee, which is a risk factor for hypertension.
Poor sleep quality: 88.2% of the respondents experienced poor sleep quality, which is a risk factor for hypertension.
Diet: 81.6% of the respondents claimed to make food high in salt as the main menu, while 57.9% made it a companion food, which is a risk factor for hypertension.

Discussion

The relatively low incidence of hypertension among the students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, class of 2020 is a positive finding. However, the high pre-hypertension rate (46.1%) is a concern that needs to be addressed. Pre-hypertension is an initial indicator that shows that individuals are at high risk for developing hypertension in the future. Therefore, it is essential to take preventive measures from an early age.

The factors identified in this study reflect some risky living habits, such as high diet and poor salt quality. Imbalance in eating patterns and modern lifestyles that tend to ignore health can be a cause of increased risk of hypertension among students. In this context, health education interventions that emphasize a healthy lifestyle, including balanced diet and sleep quality arrangements, are very important to do.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study found that the incidence of hypertension among the students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, class of 2020 was 1.51%. However, the high pre-hypertension rate (46.1%) is a concern that needs to be addressed. The risk factors identified in this study include female sex, young adult age groups, family history with hypertension, BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption, excessive coffee consumption, poor sleep quality, and diet. Therefore, it is essential to take preventive measures from an early age and to provide health education interventions that emphasize a healthy lifestyle.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Health education interventions: Health education interventions that emphasize a healthy lifestyle, including balanced diet and sleep quality arrangements, should be provided to the students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra.
Blood pressure screening: Routine blood pressure screening for students should be conducted to detect hypertension early and provide the necessary intervention.
Health seminars: Health seminars and campaigns about the importance of maintaining heart health and blood pressure control should be held to raise awareness among students.
Preventive measures: Preventive measures, such as regular exercise and healthy eating habits, should be encouraged among students to reduce the risk of hypertension.

Limitations

This study has some limitations. The sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted in a single institution. Therefore, the findings of this study may not be generalizable to other populations. Additionally, the study used a quantitative approach, which may not capture the complexities of the issue.

Future Research

Future research should aim to investigate the incidence of hypertension among students of other medical institutions in the region. Additionally, studies should be conducted to investigate the effectiveness of health education interventions in reducing the risk of hypertension among students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hypertension among Students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, Class of 2020

Q: What is hypertension, and why is it a concern among students?

A: Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a medical condition characterized by high blood pressure. It is a concern among students because it can lead to cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death worldwide. Additionally, hypertension can also lead to kidney disease, stroke, and heart failure.

Q: What are the risk factors for hypertension among students?

A: The risk factors for hypertension among students include:

Female sex
Young adult age groups (21-22 years)
Family history with hypertension
Body mass index (BMI) that indicates overweight
Smoking
Alcohol consumption
Excessive coffee consumption
Poor sleep quality
Diet high in salt

Q: What is pre-hypertension, and why is it a concern?

A: Pre-hypertension is an initial indicator that shows that individuals are at high risk for developing hypertension in the future. It is a concern because it can lead to cardiovascular diseases and other health problems if left untreated.

Q: What can students do to prevent hypertension?

A: Students can take several steps to prevent hypertension, including:

Maintaining a healthy weight
Engaging in regular physical activity
Eating a balanced diet that is low in salt and high in fruits and vegetables
Getting enough sleep
Avoiding smoking and excessive coffee consumption
Limiting alcohol consumption
Managing stress

Q: What is the role of health education in preventing hypertension among students?

A: Health education plays a crucial role in preventing hypertension among students. It can help students understand the risks of hypertension and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Health education can also provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their health.

Q: What are the benefits of routine blood pressure screening among students?

A: Routine blood pressure screening among students can help detect hypertension early and provide the necessary intervention. It can also help identify students who are at high risk for developing hypertension and provide them with the support and resources they need to prevent the condition.

Q: What can faculty members and administrators do to support students in preventing hypertension?

A: Faculty members and administrators can support students in preventing hypertension by:

Providing health education and resources
Encouraging students to engage in regular physical activity
Promoting healthy eating habits
Encouraging students to get enough sleep
Providing access to routine blood pressure screening
Supporting students who are at high risk for developing hypertension

Q: What are the implications of this study for public health policy?

A: The findings of this study have implications for public health policy, particularly in the area of health education and promotion. They suggest that health education and promotion programs should focus on preventing hypertension among young adults, particularly those in the 21-22 year age group. They also suggest that routine blood pressure screening should be made available to all students, particularly those who are at high risk for developing hypertension.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including:

The sample size was relatively small
The study was conducted in a single institution
The study used a quantitative approach, which may not capture the complexities of the issue

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: Future research directions for this study include:

Investigating the incidence of hypertension among students of other medical institutions in the region
Conducting studies to investigate the effectiveness of health education interventions in reducing the risk of hypertension among students
Conducting studies to investigate the impact of routine blood pressure screening on the prevention of hypertension among students.