The impact of diet and sociodemographic factors on cardiovascular health among students at Chimborazo polytechnic high school and State University of Milagro.

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent a significant global public health burden, accounting for approximately 31% of annual deaths worldwide. Diet quality and sociodemographic factors are recognized as critical determinants influencing cardiovascular risk, particularly among young adults. University students are considered a vulnerable population due to rapid lifestyle transitions that may affect long-term health outcomes. This study aimed to analyze the associations between dietary patterns, sociodemographic factors, and cardiovascular health indicators in Ecuadorian university students.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted between 2022 and 2023 among 404 students from the State University of Milagro (UNEMI) and the Polytechnic School of Chimborazo (ESPOCH). Data on sociodemographic variables, dietary intake, and cardiovascular biomarkers were collected using structured interviews, clinical measurements, and blood analyses. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24-hour recall and a food frequency questionnaire adapted from the Block Screening Questionnaire. Cardiovascular health indicators included triglycerides, LDL and HDL cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and glucose levels. Associations between diet, sociodemographic factors, and cardiovascular outcomes were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, stratified by sex, with effect size estimation (η²) and Bonferroni corrections for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

Among the participants (58.3% women, 41.7% men, mean age = 23.3 ± 4.4 years), 22% reported a very high-fat diet, whereas only 2% followed a nutrient-rich diet. Women with a very high-fat diet exhibited significantly higher triglyceride levels (mean = 189.6 mg/dL) compared to those with a low-fat diet (mean = 132.4 mg/dL, = 0.010). Men with high-fat diets showed elevated systolic (mean = 128.3 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (mean = 83.7 mmHg) compared to those with low-fat diets ( < 0.01). A nutrient-rich diet was associated with lower systolic blood pressure in women (mean = 106.5 mmHg vs. 113.7 mmHg, < 0.001). Place of birth influenced cardiovascular outcomes: men from the Highlands had higher LDL cholesterol (145.2 mg/dL vs. 126.3 mg/dL, = 0.005), while women born in the Coastal region showed lower systolic blood pressure (108.6 mmHg vs. 118.2 mmHg, = 0.004). Place of residence was associated with systolic pressure in men ( = 0.021), and father's origin significantly affected LDL and diastolic values in men ( < 0.01).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates significant associations between dietary quality, sociodemographic background, and cardiovascular health among Ecuadorian university students. High-fat diets were linked to adverse lipid profiles and increased blood pressure, while nutrient-rich diets showed protective effects, especially among women. Regional and familial origins influenced cardiovascular risk markers, underscoring the relevance of socioeconomic and environmental determinants. Public health strategies should target dietary education, nutritional interventions, and region-specific policies to mitigate cardiovascular risk in young adult populations. Future research should adopt longitudinal and multivariable models to strengthen causal inferences and validate observed associations.