Tobacco use, alcohol consumption and family history, such as risk of chronic disorders in university students

Background and objectiveThe purpose of this study is to ascertain the changes in tobacco use and alcohol consumption, as well as the family history related to the risk for chronic disorders in students from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, UNAM), when transitioning from secondary school to university.MethodologyThe data from the Comprehensive Health Assessment Survey performed on university students by the Department of Health Services (Direccion General de Servicios Medicos, DGSM) was analysed and compared with their previous health state, tobacco use and alcohol consumption, excess weight, obesity and health issues of relatives.Results593 students participated in the survey, of whom 69.6% were women. The greatest mean BMI variation was between the age of 14 and 16. 1.54% reported having high blood pressure during secondary school and 1.69% during university. In three years, alcohol consumption increased by 32% and tobacco use by 7.6%. As for the relatives’ health state, the predominance of high blood pressure went from 24.1 to 30.4, obesity went from 27.6 to 31.3, tobacco use went from 24.5 to 24.9 and type 2 diabetes mellitus went from 12.8% to 16.2% with p < 0.01.ConclusionsThe changes in risk factors point to a higher risk profile for chronic disorders. Future health damages could be reduced if measures were taken among young people.

ResumenAntecedentes y objetivoConocer loscambios en el consumo de tabaco y alcohol así como los antecedentes familiares en cuanto a riesgos de enfermedades crónicas, en estudiantes de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), al transitar del bachillerato a la licenciatura.MetodologíaSe analizó y comparó información de la Encuesta de Valoración Integral de Salud que aplica a universitarios la Dirección General de Servicios Médicos (DGSM), sobre su estado de salud previo, consumo de tabaco y alcohol, sobrepeso, obesidad y problemas de salud de familiares.ResultadosParticiparon 593 alumnos, 69.6% mujeres. La mayor diferencia de promedio del IMC se presentó entre los 14 y los 16 años. El 1.54% refirió hipertensiónarterial durante el bachillerato y 1.69% en licenciatura. En tres años, el consumo de alcohol se incrementó en un 32% y en 7.6% para tabaco. En cuanto al estado de salud de los familiares, la prevalencia de hipertensión arterial pasó de 24.1 a 30.4, obesidad de 27.6 a 31.3, tabaquismo de 24.5 a 24.9 y diabetes mellitus tipo 2 de 12.8% a 16.2% con p<0.01.ConclusionesLos cambiosde los factores de riesgo apuntalan hacia un perfil de mayor riesgo para enfermedades crónicas. Actuar en los jóvenes puede reducir daños a la salud a futuro.