Blood Pressure, Stress and Body Mass Index (BMI) among Youngsters in South India

Background: Hypertension exists in worldwide estimated one billion people1. Increasing trend of hypertension among young adult is a new phenomenon because of various stressors. Another common problem in youngsters is obesity

Objectives: To determine the blood pressure, BMI, stress level. Compare the blood pressure, BMI and stress among various batches of students. Find the relationship between BMI, blood pressure, and stress level.

Methods: A descriptive correlational design used for this study on 200 BSc. Nursing students in Udupi District. Back ground information proforma, Stress rating scale, Sphygmomanometer and stethoscope, Weighing machine, measuring tape were used as tool. Non probability purposive sampling was used.

Results: While comparison significant difference was found in mean stress score of four groups of students. There is significant positive correlation between body mass index and BP. No significant relationship was found between stress and BP. There is significant negative relationship between body mass index and stress.