A descriptive study on assessing the risk factors of prehypertension among late adolescents in Sir Issac Newton College of Engineering and Technology at Nagapattinam

Abstract

Background: Prehypertension among adolescents is an emerging public health concern due to its strong association with future hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, increased screen time, and stress contribute significantly during this stage. Aim: The study aimed to assess prehypertension risk factors among late adolescent students. Methodology: A quantitative research approach with a descriptive design was adopted. The study was conducted among 200 late adolescent students aged 18–21 years using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire including demographic variables, physiological measurements (height, weight, BMI, blood pressure), and lifestyle-related risk factors. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage. Results: The findings revealed that most participants were aged 19 years and female, with a majority belonging to nuclear families and rural areas. A significant proportion of students were in the overweight BMI category, while most had normal blood pressure levels. Behavioral findings showed moderate mobile usage, especially at bedtime, reduced sleeping hours, and occasional junk food consumption. Most students engaged in physical activity, particularly aerobic exercises, and reported either no stress or tolerable stress, while smoking and alcohol consumption were minimal. Conclusion: Although most late adolescents had normal blood pressure, the presence of modifiable lifestyle risk factors such as overweight status, altered sleep patterns, and mobile usage may increase the risk of developing prehypertension in the future.