Abstract
Background: Blood pressure (BP) is an important measure of health that can be affected by various factors, including weight and sleep. Some students are exposed to problems related to sleep, weight, and BP. This study aimed at investigating the relationship between body mass, sleep quality, and BP in the operating room and nursing students of Hamedan University of Medical Sciences.
Methods: The present cross-sectional study involved 191 operating room and nursing students from Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. The data were gathered using a demographic checklist and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. BP and height were measured using the Bewell model W.M-61 hand-held BP monitor and a Stature Meter wall meter, respectively. Students’ weight was determined with a digital scale. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS 24, with a significance level of 0.05.
Results: Most of the students participating in the study were female (58.1), single (93.7), unemployed (90.6), and nursing students (59.7). The findings of the correlation test indicated a significant indirect relationship between sleep quality and systolic BP (SBP) (P=0.03, r=0.15). Additionally, there was a significant direct relationship between body mass index (BMI) and SBP (P=0.004, r=0.207).
Conclusion: It seems that a high BMI in the operating room and nursing students can affect their sleep quality and BP. Thus, it is suggested that educational managers participate in physical activities and sports in the course, with appropriate plans for students. Their education should be in such a way to place the BMI in the normal range, prevent chronic diseases, and reduce the academic efficiency of the students.