Prevalence and Anthropometric Correlates of Dyslipidemia Among Students of a Tertiary Institution: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Dyslipidemia is characterized by abnormal concentrations of circulating lipids and lipoproteins and represents an important modifiable risk factor for future cardiometabolic disease. Although lipid abnormalities are frequently investigated in adults, they may also occur during adolescence and early adulthood. Lifestyle patterns, dietary habits, physical inactivity, excess body weight, and other metabolic factors may contribute to the development of abnormal lipid profiles in young individuals.

Objective: The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of dyslipidemia and evaluate the distribution of serum lipid parameters according to sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and waist–hip ratio (WHR) among students of a tertiary institution.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 apparently healthy students aged 16–35 years, comprising 100 males and 100 females. Participants were recruited between May and October 2021. Following an overnight fast, venous blood samples were collected for estimation of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was calculated using the Friedewald equation. Anthropometric measurements included height, weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference. BMI and WHR were subsequently calculated. Dyslipidemia was defined according to the stated National Cholesterol Education Programme criteria.

Results: The overall prevalence of dyslipidemia was 62%. Low HDL-C was the most frequently observed abnormality (22%), followed by elevated TC (21%), elevated TG (11%), and elevated LDL-C (8%). Abnormal TC and TG levels were more frequent among males, whereas low HDL-C was more common among females. The difference in LDL-C between males and females was statistically significant (p = 0.022). Serum lipid concentrations did not differ significantly across age groups. TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C differed significantly across BMI categories (p = 0.017, p = 0.002, and p = 0.002, respectively), whereas TG did not differ significantly (p = 0.617). Among females, TC differed significantly according to WHR category (p = 0.021).

Conclusion: A considerable proportion of students demonstrated abnormal lipid profiles, with low HDL-C and elevated TC representing the predominant lipid abnormalities. Variations in lipid parameters were observed according to sex, BMI, and WHR. These findings highlight the importance of early awareness regarding healthy dietary practices, regular physical activity, and maintenance of a healthy body weight among young adults.