Work-Related and Behavioral Risk Factors of Diseases of the Circulatory System in Oil Industry Workers

Abstract

Introduction: In terms of the prevalence and severity of complications, diseases of the circulatory system rank high in the structure of general morbidity among the causes of disability and premature mortality of the working-age population. The main reasons for the increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases are considered to be such behavioral risk factors as smoking, alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, hypertriglyceridemia, overweight, and physical inactivity. By now, contribution of adverse work-related and occupational factors in the development of cardiovascular disorders has been proven as well. Our objective was to study the relationship between work-related and behavioral risk factors and diseases of the circulatory system in oil workers. Methods: We conducted an assessment of working conditions and health status of oil industry workers that included a questionnaire-based survey to identify unmodified and modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, anthropometry, blood pressure measurements, the analysis of lipid metabolism indicators, and examination by a cardiologist. We established that the working conditions of oil production and refinery workers belong to hazard class 3 and may contribute to increased rates of chronic non-communicable diseases including diseases of the circulatory system. The main work-related risk factors for oilmen include vibration, noise, workplace air pollution with saturated hydrocarbons and hydrogen sulfide, as well as the severity of the labor process. Strong interrelationships of the main risk factors were revealed. The proportion of workers with a high risk of developing cardiovascular disorders was about 30 % of the total number of employees. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate the role of work-related and non-occupational risk factors in the development of diseases of the circulatory system in oil workers and indicate the need to develop appropriate preventive measures.