O-44 Prevalence and Determinants of Hypertension among Blue Collar Jobs: Observations from Multicentre Study

Introduction Hypertension a leading cause for cerebro-cardiovascular diseases. However, a positive lifestyle could potential modify the risk of hypertension. Despite, reports on the positive association between sedentary work life and hypertension/prehypertension, studies involving blue collar workers are scarce. Current multi-cantered study investigated the cross sectional prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension among a group of blue collar (construction) workers. Methods Present cross sectional quantitative multi-centre study (Ahmedabad & Bengaluru) was executed after later to receiving Institute human ethics committee approval. Details on basis demographics and substance use was collected from all consenting construction labourers employed at construction sites. Blood pressure and Body Mass Index (BMI) were measured using standard protocols. R software was used to collect, record and clean the data. Results A total of 1253 construction workers with mean (SD) age of 28.6 (9.6) years and 92% males consented to participate. About 46.7% and 30% respectively reported of tobacco and alcohol usage. The prevalence of pre-hypertension and hypertension was estimated as 39.3% and 11.1% respectively. Factors such as age, substance use, average work hours per day and BMI significantly increased the risk for hypertension. Conclusion Interestingly the prevalence of prehypertension among these blue collar workers was high, despite the labour intensive nature of work and relatively young age. Current observations suggest the need for further investigations, strengthen the ongoing screening and intervention programs by the public health policy makers.