Hypertension is the commonest cardiovascular disorder and one of the leading causes of global burden of diseases. Medical students are significant investment to the society and increasing emergence of hypertension among them is a topic of interest today. With this background a study was conducted to assess the prevalence 0f hypertension and its correlates of lifestyle habits among the M 385 students of IGIMS, Patna. In this cross sectional study total 200 MBBS students were selected (50 students from each year) using stratified random sampling method. Data was obtained using a pre-designed semi structured questionnaire; weight and height was measured and to show association Chi square test, Pearson's correlation test, univariate logistic regression model was used. In this study we found the prevalence of hypertension among study participants was 10%, also there was statistically significant correlation found between systolic blood pressure and age, height, weight and BM of the respondents. Although in our study no significant association was found among hypertension and its correlates of lifestyle habits. Still the prevalence of pre-hypertension was 48.5% among the study participants which is a risk factor for development of hypertension in future, therefore dietary and lifestyle modification programmes directed especially to them is necessary.

Keywords: Hypertension, Pre hypertension, Medical students, Lifestyle habits.

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Bhim Ram

Associate Professor, Department of General Medicine,

Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sheikhpura, Patna, Bihar

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