Level of Education of Students Involved

Undergraduate

Faculty Sponsor

Terry Kessler and Lynette Rayman

College

Nursing

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Spring 4-25-2024

Abstract

Elevated blood pressure (BP) at a young age leads to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) (Zhang et al., 2019). College students are often unaware of hypertension and its risk factors which could increase the development of these conditions. Our study served to educate, assess BP rates, and identify risk factors to promote health. To frame our research, two theoretical models were utilized: Neuman Systems Model and The Fogg Behavioral Model (TFBM).

Through convenience sampling, BP assessments were performed on participants attending a private midwestern university. At each screening, participants filled out a Google Form, measuring hypertension knowledge, habits, stress, medications, history, and other factors. BP, heart rate, body fat, body water, and BMI were measured. BP was measured twice and averaged. Recent caffeine, food, and alcohol intake were recorded. Education was provided about stress, stress reduction, and CVD.

The results indicated most participants were unaware of their risk factors regarding hypertension. The majority of participants self-reported normal BP; however, 52% of participants had an elevated systolic BP, and 30.4% of participants had an elevated diastolic BP. Caffeine and alcohol use were not shown to be related to hypertension. Participants reported high stress related to college life.

To prevent future complications of hypertension in participants, it is crucial to implement interventions that address these outcomes (Choi et al., 2020). We disseminated our results and invited students to perform a knowledge check on another Google Form, of which 96% of students were able to accurately identify their risks.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

The members of a faculty-led Undergraduate Nursing Research team include: senior nursing students Isabella P. Dietrich and Hannah F. LaFary and junior nursing students Bryn K. Benzing, Alyssa T. Gonzalez, and Adalynn D. Harper. These members collaborated to disseminate this information at national and international research conferences and recently published this work in StuNurse Nationwide Magazine, which goes to every nursing college in the United States.

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