Prevalence and co-occurrence of selected cardiometabolic risk indicators among university students: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Non-communicable diseases are associated with cardiometabolic abnormalities that may begin early in life. University students are an important population for assessment, because lifestyle changes during this period may contribute to cardiometabolic risk. Objective: This study determined the prevalence and co-occurrence of cardiometabolic risk indicators among university students in Lampung Province and explored the association between sex and multiple indicators. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to September 2025 among 210 students aged 18–25 years from four purposively selected universities in Lampung Province, Indonesia. Participants were recruited using non-probability sampling. Indicators assessed were elevated body mass index (BMI ≥23 kg/m²), elevated blood pressure (systolic ≥130 mmHg and/or diastolic ≥85 mmHg), and elevated fasting blood glucose (≥100 mg/dL). Participants were classified as having no, one, or multiple indicators (≥2). Sex differences in multiple indicators were examined using Fisher’s exact test and unadjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Median age was 20 years (range 18–24). Elevated BMI occurred in 30.0% of participants, elevated blood pressure in 24.8%, and elevated fasting blood glucose in 8.6%. Overall, 52.4% had no indicators, 33.3% had one, and 14.3% had multiple indicators. Multiple indicators were found in 30.0% of males and 11.7% of females. Male students had higher odds of multiple indicators (OR=3.24; 95% CI: 1.31–8.01; p=0.020). Conclusion: Cardiometabolic risk indicators were present and co-occurred among students, with elevated BMI being most prevalent. The sex association was exploratory and should be interpreted cautiously.