Cardiovascular risk factors and their relationship with clinical and sociodemographic characteristics in nursing students: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background/Aims The incidence of cardiovascular risk factors is high among both nurses and university students in general. This study assessed the relationship between sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors in undergraduate nursing students. Methods This was a cross-sectional study with a sample of 173 nursing students. Various cardiovascular risk factors were evaluated, including arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, obesity, excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep apnoea, smoking, alcohol use and sedentarism. Associations were then identified between these factors and participants' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, such as age, gender, living situation, lifestyle and presence of other conditions. Results The most prevalent risk factors were alcohol use, sedentarism and excessive daytime sleepiness. These were significantly associated with several variables, including smoking, religion, taking medical leave and participation in sporting events. Conclusions Nurses and university professors should be aware of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors among nursing students so that strategies can be devised to address them.