Self-rated health status, BMI, blood pressure and felt health needs among entry year medical university students in Ajman, UAE

ABSTRACT

To assess the self-rated health status and its association with BMI and blood pressure, and felt health needs of the entry year medical university students. This was part of a larger study including hypertension and health behavior among GMU students. The study used information collected on overall self-rated health, and physical, mental and social health using rating scales and multiple response questions. The participants also indicated their felt health needs. Height, weight and blood pressure were measured. Among the 110 participants 93.7% rated their health to be good or very good; 57.3% considered themselves to have good figure and 26.4% higher than normal weight; 69.1% were moderate to highly active; though 52.8% were anxious to very anxious, 94.6% could manage their daily stress; 91% had close family members or friends. Almost two thirds expressed the need for opportunity for physical activity and one third dietary counseling. More pre-hypertensives and hypertensives [41.5%] than normal [17.4%] considered themselves to be fat, and less "very active" than "moderately or mildly active". Out of 7 very anxious five were pre-hypertensive/hypertensive. Among the pre-hypertensive / hypertensives 9.7% were not able to manage daily stress compared to 3% of normal; 12.2% considered themselves to have poor health compared to 1.4% of normal. Among the 48 overweight [BMI>25] participants 52.1% rated themselves to be fat and 41.7% normal, only 3 considered their health to be poor and 25% considered health to be very good. The majority rated their health as good. While 43.6% were overweight only 26.4% perceived themselves to be so. Student Welfare needs to consider a program for the felt needs of physical activity for the future health providers