Risk factor for health care workers developing hypertension: A nested case-control study

Background and Objectives: The study was aimed to evaluate the role of stress, lifestyle as well as traditional risk factors in the development of hypertension among health-care workers (HCWs). Methods: This nested case–control study was done at a tertiary care university teaching hospital in South India. Cases were hospital employees diagnosed with hypertension and who were taking antihypertensive medications. Controls were age- and sex-matched HCWs who were not diagnosed with hypertension. They were identified preferably in the same department where its case was presently working. One hundred and twenty-eight cases and 128 controls were enrolled. We collected data on risk factors for hypertension, physical activity, diet, and stress. Those significant on the bivariate analysis were entered into a logistic regression analysis. Results and Interpretation: In the logistic regression, we found that living in a joint family (2 siblings and their families), family history of hypertension, family history of diabetes mellitus, and family history of ischemic heart disease were independently predictive of hypertension developing in the study HCWs. Occasional or regular walking/cycling to work and milk consumption were independent factors that protected against the development of hypertension. Extra added salt to food and stress more than normal in any domain tested were not associated with the development of hypertension in our cohort. Conclusions: HCWs have some novel and other similar risk factors to general population for developing hypertension. Simple preventive measures seem effective. Neither stress nor self-reported salt consumption seemed to play a role in the development of hypertension.