Characterizing Prehypertension and Lifestyle Determinants Among College Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Prehypertension, defined as blood pressure levels that are elevated but not yet in the hypertensive range, is increasingly recognized as a critical public health concern. It is a significant predictor of future hypertension and cardiovascular morbidity. College students are particularly vulnerable due to lifestyle behaviours that may contribute to elevated blood pressure, such as poor dietary habits, inadequate sleep, sedentary behaviour, and psychological stress. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of prehypertension among college students aged 18 to 24 years and to examine its association with modifiable lifestyle factors including diet, sleep quality, perceived stress, and physical activity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 500 college students within the specified age range. Individuals with known endocrine or metabolic disorders were excluded. Blood pressure was measured using a standardized manual sphygmomanometer and stethoscope. Lifestyle variables were assessed using a structured questionnaire. The prevalence of prehypertension and its contributing factors were calculated to better understand the risk profile of the study population Ordinal regression analysis was performed to evaluate associations between lifestyle determinants and blood pressure categories. Results: A considerable proportion of students were found to have prehypertensive readings. Ordinal regression analysis revealed statistically significant associations between elevated blood pressure and poor dietary habits, insufficient sleep, increased perceived stress, and low levels of physical activity (P < 0.05). These associations remained significant after adjusting for potential confounding variables. Conclusion: Prehypertension is prevalent among college students and is significantly influenced by modifiable lifestyle factors. Early identification and targeted health promotion strategies are warranted to prevent the progression to hypertension and reduce long-term cardiovascular risk in this population. Key words: Prehypertension, Blood pressure, Lifestyle determinants, young adults, Cardiovascular risk