Prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among employees at Mlolongo call centre

Abstract

Hypertension is one of the cardiovascular diseases classified as a Non-Communicable Disease (NCD). Among the predisposing factors are behavioral and lifestyle related factors such as poor diet, lack of physical exercise, too much stress, physical inactivity, tobacco smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among call centre employees. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study design. Data collection was done in two parts. Part one comprised of clinical assessments measuring weight, height, Body Mass Index and blood pressure while part two comprised a questionnaire. Data was collected from a sample population of 400 respondents. Data analysis was done using descriptive method followed by bivariate analysis. Predisposing factors at p<0.05 were considered for multivariable analysis. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) of 95% confidence Interval was calculated using binary logistic regression. Odds Ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to determine the strength of association. Total respondents were 400 with 34.9% male while 65.1% female. 25.1% of participants were obese, 53.0% pre-hypertension, 13.5% hypertension stage 1, with 16.2% hypertension stage 2. The proportion of hypertension was significantly higher among overweight respondents at 32.7% and 60.2% obese. Nine factors were associated with hypertension at bivariate analysis (P<0.05), these were reduced to four factors at multiple regression analysis using the reduced model. From the study findings, 30% of the respondents are at risk of developing hypertension. Four factors were identified as predisposing to hypertension: Respondents with increased Body Mass Index-both overweight and obese. Respondents who do not engage in physical activity, Respondents who consume excess fat in their diet and those respondents with parental responsibilities. Study findings depicts the need for interventions and greater emphasis on health promotion and well-being at the call centre. This calls for staff empowerment towards health seeking behaviors and adoption of healthy lifestyle options.