DEPARTMENTOFPHYSIOLOGY

The objective of this experiment was to assess blood pressure and glucose levelsasrisk factors for metabolic syndrome (MetS) among physiology students at theUniversity of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo, Nigeria. The study involved 50students, comprising 20 males and 30 females, aged 16 to 26 years. All participantsvoluntarily completed questionnaires and provided written informedconsentbefore the examination. They were required to fast for at least 12 hours beforethetests. Blood pressure was measured using an automated sphygmomanometer, andfasting blood glucose levels were assessed with a glucometer, followingstandardprotocols. Data analysis was performed using GraphPad Prismstatistical packageversion 8.1, with descriptive statistics presented as percentages. Asignificancelevel of P<0.05 was applied. The average age of the participants was 21.5years.Results showed that 86% of the students had normal glucose levels, while14% fell within the MetS range. For systolic blood pressure, 90%were withinthenormal range, and 10% were within the MetS range. Regarding diastolicbloodpressure, 96% were in the normal range, with 4% in the MetSrange. Thecorrelation between blood pressure levels and a family history of diabetessuggested a 1.047 risk of MetS, but this was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Other family histories, such as hypertension and MetS, also showed no significantassociation (P>0.05), and there was no increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome. In conclusion, this study indicated that some physiology students at UNIBEN are at risk of developing MetS based on their blood pressure, glucoselevels, and family history. Therefore, these students should take proactive steps to maintain good health