PREVALENCE OF DIABETES, HYPERTENSION AND OBESITY AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG STUDENTS OF AJMAN UNIVERSITY, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Abstract

This study aims to assess the correlation of hypertension, diabetes, obesity with gender, smoking and physical activity in two hundred and fifty students of Ajman University in the United Arab Emirates. A structured questionnaire followed by a clinical examination performed for the two hundred and fifty students at Ajman University. Each student interviewed and assessed thoroughly. BMI was categorized into normal weight (< 25 kg/m2), Overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2) and Obese ($\geq$ 30 kg/m2); readings of systolic pressure of 140 mmHg or higher or diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or higher considered hypertensive. Statistical analysis performed using SPSS, version 23.0 and data presented as means, standard deviation (SD) and percentages. The study indicated that 13.20 % of students have hypertension and 41.6 % are pre hypertensive. The mean systolic and diastolic pressure was 120.53
± 14.29 and 76.19 ± 8.89 mm Hg respectively. The mean fasting plasma glucose concentration in students was 95.11 ± 18.53 mg/dl. Percentages of students with overweight and obesity were 22 % and 14.85 % respectively. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and obesity amongst students of Ajman University was close to that observed amongst comparable age groups in the world and specifically the Arab region.