Association Study between Different Anthropometric Measures and other Clinical Markers in Saudi Female Students at King Abdulaziz University

Abstract

This research addresses nutritional status, Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR), physical activity and Blood Pressure (BP) among female students attending King Abdul-Aziz University (KAU) and correlates the changes in BMI and WHR with Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Saudi female students (N = 232) aged 18 to 27 years old were recruited over two academic semesters. The students were selected randomly. Socio-demographic information and lifestyle data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. BP is measured using a validated sphygmomanometer and BMI was calculated. The WHR was calculated after measuring waist circumference and hip circumference using a measuring tape. Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) was tested using a glucometer. Of all the students, according to BMI, 20.70% were underweight, 59.90% were normal, 11.50% were overweight and 7.80% were obese. While, according to WHR, 96.60% had a normal weight and 2.20% were overweight. In addition, 0.90% had dyslipidemia and 61.60% performed physical activity on a regular basis. Family history was positive for diabetes mellitus in 86.60% and heart diseases in 47.80%. SBP was decreased by 4.70% while DBP was decreased by 24.10%. Among all participants, there were significant positive correlations between SBP and DBP and BMI; between DBP and BMI and WHR; between BMI and age and WHR. A high prevalence of hypotension was detected among female students that may have been due to bad eating habits and intermittent physical activity. Regular health checkups should be done to avoid chronic diseases and cardiovascular complications. Further studies should be performed to promote the importance of lifestyle modifications.