Hubungan Indeks Massa Tubuh dengan Tekanan Darah pada Mahasiswa Fakultas Kedokteran Universitas Sumatera Utara

Abstract

Background. In 2018, the prevalence of obesity increased from 11.7% (2010) to 15.4%. (2015). Obesity itself is a risk factor for someone to suffer from hypertension. According to data from 2018, the prevalence of hypertension in the age group of 18-24 years was 13.2%. Unhealthy lifestyles, consumption of high-fat and high-sugar foods, and lack of exercise are factors that increase the likelihood of someone becoming obese. If this is allowed to continue, it can increase the risk of someone developing cardiovascular diseases, one of which is hypertension. Objective. Analyzing the relationship between Body Mass Index and blood pressure in students of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara. Method. This research uses an analytical approach with a cross-sectional research design and a sample of students from the Faculty of Medicine at the Universitas Sumatera Utara, selected through stratified random sampling. Data collection tools include digital body scales, microtoise, stethoscope, and sphygmomanometer. Result. Statistical analysis of 88 respondents shows that there is a significant relationship between Body Mass Index and blood pressure (p < 0.05). Correlation strength analysis indicates that Body Mass Index and blood pressure have a moderate correlation strength (Coef = 0.41-0.70). Conclusion. The higher a person's body mass index, the higher their blood pressure will be. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of maintaining an individual's body mass index at an ideal level to prevent hypertension among students of the Faculty of Medicine at the Universitas Sumatera Utara.