Influential risk factors for the development of arterial hypertension in dentistry and biochemistry students at the Universidad Santa Clara de Asís, Paraguay, 2025

Abstract

Arterial hypertension (HTN) is defined as a systolic blood pressure equal to or greater than 140 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure equal to or greater than 90 mmHg. It constitutes a public health problem in Paraguay. According to the WHO and the MSP and BS, one-third of adults worldwide and five-tenths of Paraguayan citizens suffer from it. This study seeks to identify the most influential risk factors for the development of HTN in students of the Dentistry and Biochemistry program at the Santa Clara de Asís University, Paraguay. The objective is to contribute to the understanding of the risk factors associated with the development of HTN in this population and provide valuable information for the development of HTN prevention and control strategies in Paraguay. An observational, descriptive, non-experimental, cross-sectional study with probability sampling was conducted. 121 students from the Dentistry and Biochemistry programs at the USCA participated, completing a questionnaire designed and validated for this purpose. The data were coded to protect anonymity, and analysis was performed using STATA 17 software. Ethical principles were respected at all times. Permission was obtained from the institutional authorities and informed consent was obtained from the participants. Of 121 participants, 68% (n=82) were female and 32% (n=39) were male. Of the total population, only 6.6% had high blood pressure, with 4.1% being female and 1.6% being male. However, high normal blood pressure predominates over normal blood pressure, and it tends to increase after age 25. The most influential risk factors are a family history of hypertension, an above-normal body mass index, chronic stress, and daily consumption of processed foods. The results of the present study show a low prevalence of hypertension among students (6.6%), however, a high proportion of students with high-normal BP are notable, which could represent a population at risk for developing hypertension in the future. This prevalence may be associated with academic stress and lifestyle factors, according to similar studies.