Assessment of Resting Blood Pressure Patterns Among Undergraduate Students at the University of Lagos, South West Nigeria

Background: Hypertension is increasingly recognised as a growing public health concern among young adults in sub-Saharan Africa, with lifestyle factors playing a central role. Studies conducted between 2020 and 2024 indicate that sedentary behaviour, poor dietary habits, and academic stress may contribute to elevated blood pressure readings even in ostensibly healthy student populations. Objectives: This study aims to assess resting blood pressure patterns among undergraduate students at the University of Lagos and to identify associated lifestyle and sociodemographic variables. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design will be employed. Three hundred participants aged 18 to 25 years will be recruited by stratified random sampling. Blood pressure will be measured using a validated digital sphygmomanometer following standard protocols. A structured questionnaire will capture data on physical activity, salt intake, alcohol consumption, sleep duration, and academic workload. Results will be analysed using SPSS version 26, with chi-square tests and logistic regression applied to determine associations. Expected Outcomes: It is anticipated that a notable proportion of students will exhibit pre-hypertensive or hypertensive values, with male gender, high salt intake, and low physical activity emerging as significant predictors. Conclusion: Findings will inform campus-based health promotion strategies targeting cardiovascular risk reduction among Nigerian university students. Keywords: blood pressure, undergraduate students, hypertension, lifestyle, Lagos.