Hypertension Awareness, Knowledge of Risk Factors, And Preventive Practices among Undergraduate Students: A Cross-Sectional Study at Nile University, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease globally, with rising prevalence documented among young adults. University students face unique lifestyle exposures — academic stress, sedentary behavior, poor sleep, and high caffeine intake — that elevate cardio-metabolic risk. Yet evidence on their hypertension awareness and preventive engagement remains limited in sub-Saharan Africa.
Objective: This study assessed hypertension awareness, knowledge of risk factors, lifestyle exposures, risk perceptions, and preventive practices among undergraduate students at Nile University, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was administered to a systematically sampled cohort of undergraduate students. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) via IBM SPSS v26.
Results: A total of 384 students participated (50.6% male; 49.4% female). General awareness was high — 92.8% had heard of hypertension and 93.4% correctly defined it. However, only 4.7% checked their blood pressure regularly, 23.4% engaged in no preventive practices, and 62.5% did not perceive themselves as personally at risk. Sedentary behavior was prevalent (47% sitting ≥6 hours/day), sleep was inadequate in 67.2%, and over 27% consumed caffeinated beverages at least weekly. Stress was the most recognized risk factor (55.9%).
Conclusion: Despite high hypertension awareness, students exhibit a significant awareness-action gap. Targeted campus health interventions addressing perceived barriers, risk perceptions, and behavioral enablers are urgently needed.