Factors Associated with Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus among University Students and Staff in Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction. Hypertension and diabetes are among the most prevalent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and contribute substantially to premature morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early identification of factors associated with these conditions is essential for developing effective prevention strategies. However, evidence regarding factors associated with hypertension and diabetes among university students and staff in Indonesia remains limited. This study aimed to identify factors associated with hypertension and diabetes among university students and staff. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 503 students, lecturers, and administrative staff at a private university in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics, smoking status, physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption, body mass index (BMI), and self-reported physician-diagnosed hypertension and diabetes. Fisher’s exact test was performed for bivariate analysis, followed by multivariable logistic regression to identify factors independently associated with hypertension and diabetes. Results. The prevalence of self-reported hypertension and diabetes was 6.6% and 1.8%, respectively. Participants aged 46–65 years had significantly higher odds of hypertension than those aged 17-45 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=3.23; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-9.43; p=0.032). Fruit and vegetable consumption was also independently associated with hypertension (AOR=2.56; 95% CI: 1.11-5.90; p=0.027). For diabetes, age (AOR=35.37; 95% CI: 3.07-407.40; p=0.004) and sex (AOR=0.16; 95% CI: 0.03-0.89; p=0.037) remained independently associated with the outcome. Conclusion. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus among university students and staff were independently associated with selected demographic and lifestyle-related factors. Identifying individuals at increased risk may facilitate targeted health promotion, routine screening, and preventive interventions to reduce the burden of NCDs in university populations.