Health Risks Determinants Among Freshmen Students of The University of Santo Tomas

Abstract

The objectives of this study are aimed to determine the anthropometric, WHR and BMI profile of the freshmen students; the relationship between BMI and WC; the relationship between BMI and WHR (Waist Hip Ratio) and to identify the percentage of individuals who have high risk of having health related problems. A total of three hundred ninety seven (397) freshmen students composed of one hundred eighty six (186) males and Two hundred eleven (211) females aged 16-18 years were included to participate in this study using purposive sampling method. The height, weight, waist, and hip circumferences were measured using standard methods. Descriptive anthropometric characteristics and the Body Mass Index (BMI) profile of the students were obtained using calculated means and + standard deviations. The correlation between BMI and WC and BMI and WHR were generated using Pearson correlation coefficient. This study was able to determine the anthropometric characteristics of all three hundred ninety seven (397) freshmen students of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) with mean age of 16.81 ± 0.75 for the male and 16.65 ± 0.6 for the female. The mean height and weight of male subjects were 167.36 6cm and 62.04 12.19kg respectively. For the female, the mean height and weight were 154.2 5.5cm and 51.14 9.93kg respectively. The mean BMI was 21.8 3.9. Using the World Health Organization's cut -off point, 62.5% of the students belong to the normal category. The values of the waist circumference (WC) showed that 95.16% and 86.63% of the male and female subjects respectively were at low risk of health related problems. The mean waist hip ratio (WHR) for male is .54±.37 while for the female, is .54±.34. There was a significantly low correlation between BMI and WHR for male (r= .149 p=.042) and no association for female (r= -.019 p=.784). Partial correlation coefficient indicated a significant positive correlation(r= 0.881 p< 0.0000) between BMI and WC among study population. Results of this study presented a good reference for interventions to be provided to individuals in the upper range of normal weight who are at greater risk for becoming overweight and obese. Post test can be done to keep track of the students' health status. Finally, further studies can include identifying the lifestyle and behavioral patterns of the students during secondary education.