Prevalence of risk factors in chronic non-transmissible diseases in medical students

Abstract

Introduction: The origin of non-transmissible diseases is associated with risk factors related to harmful life styles. It is interesting to observe these factors in medical students. 

Objectives: To quantify the prevalence of risk factors of chronicnon-transmissible diseases in medical students. 

Patients and methods: A cross sectional study was carried out on 242 medical students, in yearly groups, 1st to 5th year attending the School of Medicine of the University of Valparaiso. Risk factors quantified were: physical inactivity, overweight and obesity, tabacco addiction and hypertension. 

Results: After statistical analysis, the risk factor with the highest prevalence (88%) was physical inactivity, with no sex or year difference. Over weight and obesity (31.8%) was higher in males but with no year difference. In relation to tabacco abuse (22.7%) it was higher in females, but smoking intensity was higher in males, with no differences between early groups. Finally, normal high arterial pressure (4.6%) was higher in males. 

Conclusion: The prevalence of risk factors is high and preventive strategies are recommended.