The Impact of Diet and Sociodemographic Factors on Cardiovascular Health in University Students

María Victoria Padilla Samaniego (), Angélica María Solís Manzano, Verónica Patricia Sandoval Tamayo, Edgar Rolando Morales Caluña, Katherine Denisse Suárez González and Nathalia Solórzano Ibarra
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María Victoria Padilla Samaniego: Research Group in Nutrition, Dietetics, Biotechnology and Food Analysis, State University of Milagro, Milagro 091050, Ecuador
Angélica María Solís Manzano: Research Group in Nutrition, Dietetics, Biotechnology and Food Analysis, State University of Milagro, Milagro 091050, Ecuador
Verónica Patricia Sandoval Tamayo: Research Group in Nutrition, Dietetics, Biotechnology and Food Analysis, State University of Milagro, Milagro 091050, Ecuador
Edgar Rolando Morales Caluña: Faculty of Health Sciences, State University of Milagro, Milagro 091050, Ecuador
Katherine Denisse Suárez González: Faculty of Health Sciences, State University of Milagro, Milagro 091050, Ecuador
Nathalia Solórzano Ibarra: Faculty of Health Sciences, State University of Milagro, Milagro 091050, Ecuador

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 5, 1-14

Abstract: This study aimed to analyze the association between diet, sociodemographic factors, and cardiovascular health in public university students, through a cross-sectional study conducted at the State University of Milagro, Ecuador, during 2022–2023. A total of 204 students participated, with demographic and health data collected through interviews and clinical measurements. The results showed that 22% of participants had a very high fat intake, while only 2% consumed a nutrient-rich diet. In women, a high-fat diet was associated with elevated triglyceride levels and higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, whereas in men, it was linked to higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Conversely, a nutrient-rich diet was associated with lower systolic blood pressure in women. Place of birth significantly influenced systolic blood pressure in women and LDL cholesterol and diastolic blood pressure levels in men, with men born in Milagro showing higher LDL cholesterol and diastolic blood pressure compared with those born elsewhere. Additionally, place of residence was associated with systolic blood pressure in men. This study highlights the importance of promoting a balanced diet and considering sociodemographic factors when designing public health interventions to improve the cardiovascular health of university students.

Keywords: balanced diet; socio-demographic factors; cardiovascular health; university students; dietary intake; triglyceride levels (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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