A Study On Effect Of Life Style Risk Factors On Prevalence Of Hypertension Among White Collar Job People Of Surat

Objectives: 1) To study magnitude of the problem of hypertension among bank employees.2) To study the effect of body mass index (BMI) and body fat distribution as measured by waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) on prevalence of hypertension among bank employees of Surat city.3) To study the effect of different types of food habits and exercise on prevalence of hypertension.4) To study the effect of smoking, tobacco chewing and alcohol drinking on prevalence of hypertension.Materials and Methods: It was a cross sectional study carried out from August, 2004 to September, 2005.Study was carried out among bank employees of all sectors like Government, Private and Co-operative, situated within Surat city limits, an urban area of South Gujarat. Total 1493 bank employees were studied (1177 males and 316 females). The survey had two principal components: the administration of a questionnaire and clinical examination. A pre-tested semi structured questionnaire was used, which collected information on demographic characteristics and risk factors for hypertension. Hypertension was defined on the basis of 7 th report of Joint National Committee. Data on lifestyle habits (smoking and physical activity), body weight, body height, waist and hip circumferences and blood pressure measured using standardized protocols. Chi-square test was applied wherever necessary. Data was analyzed using window excel & epi _ 6. Results: Overall prevalence of hypertension was found to be 30.4 %( 455/1493). Among 455(30.4%) hypertensives, only 197(43%) were aware about their hypertensive status. And among these known hypertensives, 139(70.5%) were on regular treatment. 71(51%) were having controlled hypertension among the employees who were on regular treatment. As age increased, prevalence of hypertension also increased significantly in both sexes significantly (p<.001). Prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher among male employees 382(32.5%) as compared to female employees 73(23.1%), (p<.01). Prevalence of hypertension was noted highest among higher socio economic group. Thirty two percent (32%) of the total employees were overweight. Consistent decline in prevalence of hypertension was seen with decreasing BMI. Prevalence of hypertension was 42.4% (203) among over weight employees. Association between BMI and hypertension was statistically significant (p<.01). Among 1177 male employees 77 (6.5%) were having WHR >1 and among 316 female employees 106 (33.5%) female were having WHR > 0.85. Prevalence of hypertension was significantly (Z=2.7) higher, i.e. 53.2% (41), among male employees having WHR >1 and 25.4% (27) among female employees having WHR >0.85. Prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher 35.7% (148) among employees consuming mixed food as compared to those who reported vegetarian food 21.3% (230). Prevalence of hypertension was higher 35.53% (81) among smoker than non-smoker 29.57% (374). Prevalence of hypertension was higher 37.8% (114), in tobacco chewer than non-chewer 28.6% (341). Prevalence of hypertension was higher 40.1% (149) among alcohol consumer than non-drinker 27.2% (306). Prevalence of hypertension found significantly higher among employees who was not having any healthy habit like walking, jogging, exercise; it was found to be 28.7% (122) excluding patient on treatment (p<.01). Conclusion:Here it was observed that one third of the employees are hypertensive which suggests that white collar job people should be screened regularly. Life style affects blood presser which can be seen from this study that’s why healthy habits should be promoted among this type of group by different types of