Cardiovascular risk profile of the undergraduate medical students in a Medical College, Chennai - A cross sectional study

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Original Article

Author Details : Sowmiya KR, Uma Maheshwari R, Aishwarya EM, Reetheeswaran J.

Volume : 4, Issue : 2, Year : 2017

Article Page : 124-127

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Abstract

Introduction: Chronic non-communicable diseases especially cardiovascular diseases are assuming great importance among the world population because of the upward surge in their prevalence. In view of this, this study was initiated to study the cardiovascular risk behaviour of the most vulnerable group- the students.
Objective: To ascertain the cardiovascular risk profile of the undergraduate students studying in a medical college, Chennai.
Materials and Method: This is a descriptive, cross sectional study conducted among the undergraduate medical students studying in a private medical college in Chennai. Cardiovascular risk profile was assessed by getting information about their food habits, physical activity, tobacco and alcohol consumption and BMI. Data was collected after getting informed consent using a pre tested, structured self administered questionnaire.
Results: Out of the 298 participants, 153 were females and 145 were male students with a mean age of 20.68±0.88 years. It was seen that 93 (31.2%) of the study population had poor diet habits as per the ICMR recommended dietary guidelines. 194 (65%) lead sedentary life style, 37 (12.4%) smoked, 40 (13%) had positive alcohol history, and 203 (68%) had poor night sleep. The sedentary life style, poor physical activity and poor night sleep was significantly higher among the females. The mean height and weight of the study group were 162.94±8.33cms and 59.47±10.54kilograms respectively. It was seen that 30% of the study group had BMI more than the cut off BMI for Asians.
Conclusion: Modifiable cardiovascular risk behaviours are widely prevalent among medical students and more among the female medical students. Promotions of supportive environment for strengthening student-based approaches are essential to target these risk behaviours among our future doctors.

Keywords: Risk profile, Undergraduate Medical students, Cross sectional study

How to cite : Sowmiya Kr, Uma Maheshwari R, Aishwarya Em, Reetheeswaran J., Cardiovascular risk profile of the undergraduate medical students in a Medical College, Chennai - A cross sectional study. Indian J Forensic Community Med 2017;4(2):124-127

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