Publication: Relationship between dietary intake, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI) with blood pressure among undergraduate students in health campus Universiti Sains Malaysia
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Date
2026-08
Authors
Dandan, Tuan Muhammad Ikram Tuan
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Abstract
Hypertension is increasingly recognised among young adults and may be influenced by modifiable lifestyle factors such as dietary intake, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI). This study aimed to determine blood pressure status and examine the relationship between dietary intake, physical activity, and BMI with blood pressure among undergraduate students at Health Campus Universiti Sains Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 128 undergraduate students recruited using convenience sampling. Dietary intake was assessed using 3 days 24-hour dietary recall (2 weekdays and 1 weekend day) and analysed using Nutritionist Pro software. Physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). BMI was determined through anthropometric assessment, while blood pressure was measured using an OMRON HEM-8712 digital sphygmomanometer. Data were analysed using SPSS version 29 using descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation analysis. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 113.68 ± 11.80 mmHg and 75.49 ± 9.85 mmHg, respectively, with most participants classified as having normal blood pressure. Carbohydrate intake (r = 0.190, p = 0.032) and sodium intake (r = 0.215, p = 0.015) were positive, weak, and significant correlation with systolic blood pressure. Physical activity showed negative, weak, and significant correlation with systolic blood pressure (r = – 0.205, p = 0.021) and diastolic blood pressure (r = – 0.296, p < 0.001). BMI demonstrated the fair, and positive association with systolic blood pressure (r = 0.414, p < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.244, p = 0.006). In conclusion, blood pressure among undergraduate students was associated with dietary intake, physical activity, and BMI, with BMI emerging as the factor most significantly correlated with blood pressure. These findings support early lifestyle interventions to promote cardiovascular health among university students.
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