Dyslipidemia among medical college students in Basrah: a cross-sectional study of patterns and risk factors

Abstract

Introduction: Dyslipidemia is a well-known metabolic derangement closely associated with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. In recent years, it has been increasingly recognized as an emerging health concern among young populations. Medical college students, due to lifestyle changes coupled with academic and social pressures, are at particular risk. The aim of this study is to assess the extent and pattern of dyslipidemia among medical college students at the University of Basrah, identifying possible preventable lifestyle behaviors and environmental risk factors. Patients and Methods: A total of 330 (241 male and 89 female) randomly selected apparently healthy medical college students were included in this cross-sectional study. Over- night fasting, lipid profile blood samples were collected. Dietary and behavioral information of the participants, in addition to demographic and anthropometric data, were recorded using structured questionnaires and direct measurements.  All biochemical, anthropometric, and demographic data were collected and analyzed. Results: Out of a total number of 330 participants, 175 students (53%) were found to have at least one abnormal lipid profile. Low HDL-C  was the most prevalent form of dyslipidemia among the studied population, representing around 46.97% fallowed by high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), which was found in 40.9% of subjects, while 37.88% have elevated triglycerides (TG) levels and 30% have high total cholesterol (TC) levels .  These dyslipidemias were significantly more prevalent in males than females and in smokers than non-smokers. Analysis of demographic and anthropometric data showed that dyslipidemia was significantly more prevalent in participants from the faculty of Medicine and in those who were physically inactive, had unhealthy eating habits, and those with high waist circumference or a BMI value more than 25 kg/m2. Conclusion: Dyslipidemia is a prevalent condition among medical college students. Risk factors that substantially contribute to dyslipidemia include male sex, smoking, junk food eating, central obesity, social stress, and physical inactivity