Relationship between Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Quality Of Life among Undergraduates

Ihegihu EYN, Ezike AU, Ihegihu CC, Wale-Aina DA, Charles AN and Chukwuemeka UM

Published on: 2024-07-15

Abstract

Objective: To determine the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and QoL among undergraduates.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 364 healthy students who were administered questionnaires for the International Stress Management Association, World Health Organization QoL Brief Version, and had their systolic blood pressure and body mass index measured to calculate their cardiovascular risk using the non laboratory Framingham tool. Spearman rank order correlation was used to investigate the correlation between cardiovascular risk, stress, and QoL.

Results: Most participants (98.9%) had low cardiovascular risks, with a few (1.1%) having a moderate risk. Most participants (56.9%) experienced moderate stress levels. The mean body mass index (23.85±4.44 kg/m2) and systolic blood pressure (125.21±16.10 mmHg) were within the normal range. Cardiovascular risk had a significant negative correlation with the QoL domains (P<0.05), except for the environmental health domain, where no significant correlation was observed (P=0.295). The participants’ stress levels had a significant negative correlation with their QoL domains (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Most undergraduates had a low cardiovascular risk and exhibited moderate stress levels. Interventions aimed at stress management, lifestyle modification, and mental health promotion may contribute to cardiovascular risk reduction and improved overall well-being.