Self-reported Hypertension, Awareness, Knowledge, and Risk-related Lifestyle Factors among Final-year University Students in Enugu, Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide and is increasingly recognized among young adults. University students are often exposed to risk-related behaviours such as physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, alcohol and caffeine intake, poor sleep, and academic stress. However, hypertension awareness, screening practices, and previous diagnosis among students remain underdescribed in many Nigerian university settings. Objective To assess self-reported hypertension, awareness, knowledge, and risk-related lifestyle and psychosocial factors among final-year undergraduate students at the University of Nigeria. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 317 final-year undergraduate students selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, family history, hypertension awareness and knowledge, lifestyle patterns, and stress-related factors. The primary outcome was a self-reported previous diagnosis of high blood pressure. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results The mean age of participants was 23.94 ± 2.00 years, with most aged 20–25 years. Awareness of hypertension was high, as 90.5% had heard of hypertension and 93.1% demonstrated good awareness. However, only 57.7% had ever checked their blood pressure, and 11.4% reported a previous diagnosis of high blood pressure. Knowledge gaps persisted, with fewer than half correctly identifying <120/80 mmHg as a normal blood pressure reading. Risk-related behaviours were common, including low physical activity, frequent intake of salty and fatty foods, caffeine or energy drinks, short sleep duration, and late-night eating. Academic stress was also substantial, with 40.4% reporting very high semester stress. Conclusion Self-reported hypertension was notable among final-year students despite their young age. High awareness coexisted with knowledge gaps and widespread risk-related behaviours, highlighting the need for routine screening, targeted health education, healthier campus food environments, and accessible stress-management services.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. F1000Research, 2026 · DOI ↗