Abstract

Background: Hypertension remains a major global public health concern, with a rising prevalence among young adults. University students experience unique stressors, including academic demands and lifestyle transitions, which may predispose them to blood pressure (BP) abnormalities. Despite this, empirical data describing BP profiles among Nigerian health sciences undergraduates remain limited.

Aim: This study assessed the prevalence of random blood pressure categories and gender differences among undergraduates in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC).

Method: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. A total of 372 students were selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire alongside BP measurements obtained with a digital sphygmomanometer during a single-occasion reading under standardized conditions. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25, applying descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests.

Findings: The prevalence of BP categories was 5.9% low BP, 65.1% normal BP, 19.6% elevated BP, and 9.4% high BP. A statistically significant gender difference was observed (χ² = 57.60, df = 3, p < .001), with males more frequently associated with high BP and females predominantly within the normal BP category.

Conclusion: Although the majority of health sciences undergraduates had normal BP, a considerable proportion presented with abnormal BP patterns, with significant gender-related variations.

Recommendation: Targeted university-based health programmes focusing on routine screening, gender-sensitive interventions, and lifestyle modification strategies are recommended to promote cardiovascular health among undergraduates.