Prehypertension and Hypertension Risk Assessment Among Female Cotton Mill Workers

Abstract

<p><strong>Aim of the Study:</strong> The present study aimed to determine the risk of prehypertension and hypertension and its association with certain occupational, sociodemographic and lifestyle determinants. <strong>Material and Methods:</strong> A descriptive study was conducted among 180 female cotton mill workers in the production sector of two cotton spinning mills in Central Travancore, Kerala. A questionnaire was framed to elicit information regarding occupational, sociodemographic and lifestyle variables. Blood pressure readings and anthropometric measurements like body height and weight were recorded. <strong>Results:</strong> The prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension among the workers were found to be 30% and 7.22% respectively. It was observed that age and body mass index were statistically significant with prehypertension and hypertension (p&lt;0.05) compared to the number of years of employment in the mills, education, annual family income and physical activity which were not statistically significant. Pearson’s correlation test revealed that age and body mass index were positively correlated with mean blood pressure. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The present study observed a higher percentage of prehypertension among the workers. This stresses on the importance of early identification and control of more modifiable risk factors in the prevention and treatment of prehypertension and hypertension. </p>