Dyslipidemia and Related Risk Factors in a Saudi University Community

Background/Objectives: Cardio vascular diseases (CVD) are considered a serious and prompt growing health problem in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, since it is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of dyslipidemia and related risk factors among Health Sciences students in Taif University, KSA. Subjects/Methods: A sample of 80 students aged 17 26 years, were selected randomly from the Health Sciences colleges, Taif University. Participants were screened for blood lipid profile, obesity/overweight and related risk factors through filling pretested food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements and fasting blood samples were taken for determination of blood lipid profile, namely total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), triacylglycerol (TAG) and the ratio of TC/ HDL-c. Results: The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (TC ≥ 200 mg/dl), hypertriglyceridemia (TAG ≥ 150 mg/dl), high LDL-c (≥130 mg/dl), low HDL-c (<40 mg/dl) was 17.7%, 5.0%, 16.8%, and 46.3%, respectively. The overall prevalence of dyslipidemia was 60.0%. Low HDL-c levels were the main prevalent dyslipidemia among participants. Overweight/obese students were more likely to show at least one undesirable lipid concentration. BMI, W_C, and academic level were significantly associated with unacceptable levels of HDL-c. TV viewing or computer/video games had significant effects on hypercholesterolemia, while only liver intake had significant impact on high TAG. Conclusions: Lipid study showed that dyslipidemia is very common and a significant health problem among university students of Taif University.