A Regional Study on Hypertension Prevalence in College Girls: Evidence from Kohat District, KP Pakistan

Abstract

Hypertension is a growing public health challenge worldwide and remains one of the leading modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. While traditionally considered a condition of older age, it is increasingly being diagnosed in younger populations—driven largely by modifiable lifestyle factors. In Pakistan, rapid urbanization, psychosocial stress, unhealthy diets, and sedentary behavior are contributing to rising blood pressure levels, particularly among young women. A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 300 female students aged 17 to 22 years, enrolled at Government Girls Postgraduate College, Kohat, and Government Girls Degree College No. 3, Kohat. Blood pressure was recorded using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer (Yamasu Model YS-600). Lifestyle variables including dietary habits, physical activity, sleep patterns, and stress levels—as well as family history and symptom profiles—were assessed through a pre-validated structured questionnaire. Out of the 300 participants, 32.4% exhibited normotensive readings, 58.7% fell within the prehypertensive range, and 9.0% were classified as hypertensive. Urban students demonstrated a higher prevalence of elevated blood pressure compared to their rural counterparts (prehypertension: 39.7%; hypertension: 6.7%). The highest number of hypertensive cases was observed among 22-year-old students (2.0%). Students belonging to middle socioeconomic backgrounds showed the greatest prevalence of prehypertension (51.3%) and hypertension (8.3%). Factors such as chronic stress, physical inactivity, poor sleep hygiene, and excessive consumption of salty foods were more frequently reported in individuals with raised blood pressure. Headache was identified as the most common symptom, reported by 46.6% of those affected. A significant proportion of the young female cohort demonstrated elevated blood pressure levels, with nearly 59% being prehypertensive and 9% hypertensive. These findings underscore an urgent need for early screening, preventive education, and targeted lifestyle interventions to mitigate long-term cardiovascular risks in this vulnerable demographic.

Keywords: Hypertension, Young women, Lifestyle factors, Urbanization, Blood pressure, Cardiovascular risk