Evaluation of health habits and identification of risk factors for students of the Natural and Exact Sciences Division (DCNE), Noria Alta unit, University of Guanajuato, Mexico

Abstract

College students are characterized by a particular lifestyle (physical activity, dietary habits, alcohol consumption, snuff and drugs, etc.) which could affect school performance and health. This paper identifies potential risk factors on the health of students of the Division of Natural Sciences (DCNE), Noria Alta unit, University of Guanajuato from the analysis of the physical assessment by Shuttle Run test, measurement of body mass index, evaluation of lifestyles and the determination of glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Risk factors such as inadequate physical activity, unhealthy eating habits, heredity, hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia that may influence the development of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus were identified, among others. The present study represents the first on student population of the University of Guanajuato and will allow propose alternatives or modifications to college health programs for development of the students.