The Impact of Diet and Sociodemographic Factors on Cardiovascular Health Among Students at Chimborazo Polytechnic High School and State University of Milagro

Dennis Peralta^1*María Victoria Padilla Samaniego²Angélica María Solís Manzano²Verónica Patricia Sandoval Tamayo²Edgar Morales-Caluña²Katherine Denisse Suarez Gonzalez²

• ¹State University of Milagro, Milagro, Ecuador
• ²Universidad Estatal de Milagro, Facultad de Salud y Servicios Sociales, Milagro, Ecuador

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 and Polytechnic School of Chimborazo, Ecuador, during 2022-2023. A total of 404 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 highfat diet was associated with elevated triglyceride levels and higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures, whereas in men, it was linked to higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels. Conversely, a nutrientrich diet was associated with lower systolic blood pressure levels 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 Highland region showing higher LDL cholesterol and diastolic blood pressure compared to those born in Coastal region. Additionally, place of residence was associated with systolic blood pressure in men. The 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.