Prevalence and associated factors of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension among university students in Jordan
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder with increasing global prevalence, particularly linked to obesity. Obesity, measured by Body Mass Index, significantly heightens the risk of type 2 diabetes, with Arab countries showing some of the highest diabetes rates. Hypertension, another prevalent non-communicable disease, also poses significant cardiovascular risks, with early onset during adolescence and a growing burden worldwide. Aims This research aims to investigate the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity among university students. Another aim is to investigate the factors associated with diabetes and hypertension among university students. Results The blood pressure analysis shows 66% of participants with normal levels, while 18% have elevated and 16% are hypertensive. Average systolic and diastolic pressures were 118.87 mmHg and 70.79 mmHg, respectively. Blood glucose measurements revealed variability, with fasting levels averaging 87.15 mg/dL and random levels averaging 95.12 mg/dL. Approximately 8% of participants were prediabetic and 5% were diabetic. The body mass index (BMI) values ranged from 16.87 to 45.70, with 59% of participants in the normal range, 25% classified as overweight, and 13% as obese. Cluster analysis reveals that 63% of the students had no cardiometabolic risk condition, 28% had one condition, and 9% had a clustering of more than one condition. Binary logistic regression indicates that each one-unit increase in BMI was associated with an 83% higher likelihood of having high FBS. The results of the chi-square analysis suggest that individuals with obesity may have a substantially higher likelihood of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Conclusion The study highlights a concerning prevalence of hypertension and obesity among university students, with 16% classified as hypertensive and 13% as obese. Although the majority of participants maintained normal blood pressure and BMI levels, the elevated rates of hypertension and obesity suggest an increased risk for future cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.
Source: Obesity Medicine
Authors: Mohammad Bani Younis, Mohammad Bani Younis, Mais Bani Younis, Mais Bani Younis
Institutions: Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, Ministry of Health
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,240
OpenAlex ID: W4416051740