PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF HYPERTENSION AND DIABETES IN YOUNG ADULTS: A COMMUNITY-BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Hypertension and diabetes are increasingly prevalent among young adults due to rapid lifestyle changes, rising obesity, and early metabolic dysregulation¹. Early detection is crucial to preventing long-term cardiovascular and metabolic complications.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes among young adults aged 18–35 years and to identify associated anthropometric, behavioral, and familial risk factors².

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,200 young adults selected using multistage stratified random sampling from urban, semi-urban, and peri-urban areas. Data were collected using a WHO STEPS– adapted questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure assessment using JNC-8 criteria, and fasting glucose measurement based on ADA guidelines. SPSS 26 was used for descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, correlations, and logistic regression³.

Results: Hypertension prevalence was 18.4%, and diabetes prevalence was 7.3%. Systolic blood pressure increased progressively with age, while fasting glucose values showed mild right skewness. Males exhibited higher prevalence of both conditions than females. BMI, family history, and physical inactivity were significant predictors. Logistic regression confirmed these three factors as independent determinants of hypertension and diabetes. Graphical analyses—including histogram, pie chart, area chart, and violin plot—supported the numerical trends⁴.

Conclusion: Cardiometabolic risks are notably present in young adults. Elevated BMI, inherited predisposition, and insufficient physical activity strongly contribute to early hypertension and diabetes. Early prevention strategies and lifestyle-focused interventions are essential to reducing future disease burden⁵.