Effect of Shift-Work on Hypertension Among Factory Workers in Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Shift work is associated with several health problems, possibly due to an impairment of biological rhythms. Some studies reported that changes in blood pressure regulation among shift workers could lead to chronic hypertension. So this study aimed to determine and compare the level of and risk factors for hypertension among shift and day time workers. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study of 830 current factory workers (413 shift workers and 417 day time workers) who have worked for at least five years was conducted in Wonji Shoa sugary factory, Ethiopia. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire, and blood pressure was measured using standardized instruments by trained clinical nurses. Hypertension was defined as having Systolic BP ≥140 mmHG or Diastolic BP≥ 90mmHG or reported use of regular anti-hypertensive medications prescribed by professionals for raised BP. Multiple logistic regressions were fitted and Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to identify independently associated factors. Results: shift work, older age, higher income quintile, and family history of hypertension were found to be independently associated with Hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher among shift workers compared to daytime workers (42.9% versus 30.0%; p-value<0.05)). Multivariate analysis revealed the odds of being hypertensive among shift workers persists even after controlling for potential confounders including age, income, and family history of hypertension. [AOR (95% CI) = 1.48 (1.02, 2.14)]. Shift workers were also significantly more likely to be smokers compared to day-time workers (6.5 % versus 13.1 %; p-value<0.001). Conclusions: shift work, older age, higher income quintile, and family history of hypertension were found to be independently associated with Hypertension. The finding calls for institutionalization of efficient health screening and regular checkups as well as interventions promoting healthy lifestyles among shift workers.