EFFECT OF STRESS ON BLOOD PRESSURE IN THE FIRST YEAR UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES- The present study was undertaken to find out the effect of stress on Blood pressure among first Year undergraduate medical students. MATERIALS AND METHODSSTUDY DESIGN - Cross sectional study. The study was approved by institutional ethical committee. STUDY SUBJECTS- 150 first year medical students. INCLUSION CRITERIA -18-20 years of age. EXCLUSION CRITERIA - Age above 21yrs. MATERIALS- stress questionnaire, stethoscope, Sphygmomanometer. METHOD - The study was explained to the students and written consent was obtained. 150 First year medical students were selected for the study. Stress questionnaire was given and filled by the students. The students who scored high were selected as study group. Out of 150 students, only 30 students scored high and they were selected as study group. Out of remaining 120 students, 30 were randomly selected as controls and blood pressure was recorded. The data was recorded as mean, SD and statistical analysis was done.RESULTS-PAIRED STUDENT T test was done. There was a significant increase in systolic blood pressure among stress group (P less than 0.0001)as compared to controls.There was no significant difference in diastolic blood pressure among both groups. CONCLUSION - Adolescents must be routinely screened to detect asymptomatic hypertension. Advice on risk factor modification by appropriate life style changes may prevent long term effects of hypertension on target organs.