Prehypertension and Hypertension among School Teachers: An Epidemiological Study from South India

Abstract

ABSTRACT Context: Teaching is regarded as one of the most stressful occupations, making them more vulnerable to cardiovascular diseases, especially hypertension. Aims and Objectives: We explored this study to estimate the prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension and its risk factors among school teachers. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted for one year among 400 school teachers working in primary and secondary schools in southern Andhra Pradesh. Materials and Methods: Cluster sampling technique was used for sampling, where each school was considered as a cluster. A validated proforma with a questionnaire developed based on the WHO STEPS manual was used to collect data on socio-demographic details, blood pressure recordings, anthropometric measurements, and other related factors. Statistical Analysis: Odds ratio, the Chi-square test, and regression analysis was used to test the significance, where p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Among 400 subjects, 52.3% had normal blood pressure, 32.0% had pre-hypertension, and 15.7% had hypertension, with a total of pre-hypertension/ hypertension 47.7%. Prevalence of pre-hypertension/hypertension was significantly higher among the males (47.6%) [UOR: 2.4 (1.6-3.6)], the age group of 40 years and above (39.8%) [UOR: 4.6 (2.8-7.6)], and married subjects (90.1%) [UOR: 3.2 (1.8-5.6)]. Those who perceived moderate/severe stress at work (32.5%) [UOR: 3.9 (2.3-6.6)], teaching work of 11 years and above (59.7%) [UOR: 4.0 (2.7-6.2)], inadequate intake of fruits/vegetables (81.7%) [UOR: 1.6 (1.0-2.6)], adding extra salt to food (56.0%) [UOR: 2.0 (1.4-2.9)], and those who were overweight/obese (67.5%) [UOR: 3.4 (2.2-5.1)] had a higher prevalence. Conclusions: The prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension was considerably high among school teachers, and several factors were significantly associated with hypertension. Coordinated efforts in early diagnosis, control, and prevention of hypertension among teachers are the need of the hour.