Lifestyle Factors Associated with Elevated Blood Pressure Among Young Adults

Fildza Alya Iqlima; Sajidan; Budiyanti Wiboworini; Erindra  Budi Cahyanto; Maria Paskanita Widjanarti

doi:10.26911/theijmed.2026.11.3.965

Authors

Fildza Alya Iqlima Master’s Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret
Sajidan Department of Biology Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Sebelas Maret
Budiyanti Wiboworini Master’s Program in Nutrition Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sebelas Maret
Erindra Budi Cahyanto Diploma IV of Anesthesiology Nursing Studi Program, Vocational School, Universitas Sebelas Maret
Maria Paskanita Widjanarti Diploma IV of Occupational Safety and Health, Vocational School, Universitas Sebelas Maret

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26911/theijmed.2026.11.3.965

Abstract

Background: Elevated blood pressure among young adults has become an emerging public health concern due to unhealthy lifestyle changes and low awareness of cardiovascular risk factors. Lifestyle factors such as physical activity, smoking habits, dietary habits, and sleep quality may be associated with blood pressure levels in young adults. This study aimed to analyze the associations between lifestyle factors and elevated blood pressure among young adults.

Subjects and Method: This was an analytic observational study with a cross-sectional design conducted among students of Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Central Java. A total of 200 respondents were selected using proportional random sampling. The dependent variable was elevated blood pressure, while the independent variables included physical activity, smoking habits, dietary habits, and sleep quality. Blood pressure was measured using a digital sphygmomanometer, while the other variables were assessed using questionnaires. Data were analyzed using simple and multiple logistic regression and presented as odds ratio (OR) and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results: Poor sleep quality was associated with higher odds of elevated blood pressure (aOR= 9.15; 95% CI= 3.42 to 24.53; p<0.001). Higher dietary habits were also associated with higher odds of elevated blood pressure (aOR= 1.27; 95% CI= 1.12 to 1.44; p<0.001), indicating that poorer dietary habits were related to increased odds of elevated blood pressure. In contrast, high physical activity was associated with lower odds of elevated blood pressure (aOR= 0.10; 95% CI= 0.01 to 0.79; p= 0.029). Smoking habits were not significantly associated with elevated blood pressure.

Conclusion: Elevated blood pressure among young adults was associated with lifestyle factors. These findings highlight the importance of promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors as part of hypertension prevention efforts among university students.