Hubungan Indeks Massa Tubuh dengan Tekanan Darah pada Personel TNI AU Lanud Soewondo Medan

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a serious health problem and a major risk factor for hypertension. In Indonesia, the 2018 Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) showed high prevalence in adults (26.60% for men and 44.40% for women). In the military context, chronic health issues like obesity in personnel, who require optimal physical resilience, directly threaten operational capability and combat readiness. Riskesdas North Sumatra 2018 data recorded an obesity prevalence of 42.4% in similar occupational groups in Medan City. Objective: This analytical cross-sectional study aimed to assess the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and blood pressure in Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) personnel at Lanud Soewondo Medan. Method: Personnel were selected via random sampling, and data were collected using a digital weight scale, microtoise, stethoscope, and sphygmomanometer, followed by bivariate correlation analysis using the Somers’ d test. Results: A significant positive correlation was found between BMI and blood pressure (Coef. = 0.356; p = 0.000) with a weak strength (Coef = 0.20 – 0.39). Conclusion: An increase in BMI is significantly associated with a rise in blood pressure among TNI AU personnel. Preventive interventions should target not only BMI reduction but also the detection of genetic factors, smoking cessation programs, and comprehensive stress and lifestyle management.