Research Article

The Impact of Obesity on the Severity and Degree of Hypertension among Students of the Open Educational College

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of obesity on blood pressure and blood glucose of open education students and to see whether this effect remained after accounting for several co-occurring factors. A descriptive-analytical study with cross-sectional design was used in this study with a random sample of 100 students male and female. Demographic, behavioral, and health data were collected, along with weight and height, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated, as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure and blood glucose levels. The results showed that 66% of the sample were overweight or obese. There was also a statistically significant (p<0.001) difference in blood pressure and blood glucose levels between the various body mass index (BMI) groups, which was progressively positive from normal weight to obesity. Multiple regression models showed that obesity was an independent risk factor for blood pressure and blood glucose level, regardless of the sex, age, smoking, number of meals, medications taken, and thyroid hormone levels. The researchers found that obesity is an early health risk factor in open education students and advised to build the health awareness program and conduct regular health screenings in educational institutions to minimize the risk factors for chronic diseases. 

Author Affiliation:

Rafal Haider Al-Ebrahemi: General Directorate of Education, Open Educational College, Center of Najaf, Iraq

How To Cite: R.H. Al-Ebrahemi. The Impact of Obesity on the Severity and Degree of Hypertension among Students of the Open Educational College. Current Research in Health Sciences, 4(1):17–23, 2026. https://doi.org/10.58613/crhs414