Prevalence and associated factors of masked hypertension in nursing professionals working in oncology

Abstract

Introduction: Considering the process linked to working conditions, nursing professionals are exposed to situations that can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with masked hypertension (MHT) in nursing professionals. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 182 nursing professionals. Office blood pressure measurement and 24-hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) were applied during a usual workday using Spacelabs 90207. An interview was conducted to evaluate biopsychosocial related to work and life habits variables. Fasting venous blood was drawn for biochemical analysis. MHT was defined as office blood pressure (SBP/DBP) ≤140/90 mmHg and mean daytime ABPM ≥ 135/85 mmHg and non-use of antihypertensive treatment. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to examine the relationship of MHT with associated factors. Results: The prevalence of MHT was 19.8% (95% confidence interval:15.67-23.93). The nursing professionals with masked hypertension had significantly higher than no MH: mean 24-hour, daytime, and nighttime systolic/diastolic BP in the ABPM. HMT was associated with age (1.06; 95%; confidence interval: 1.03-1.10) and shift work (2.18; 95%; confidence interval: 1.10-4.31). Conclusions: There was a high prevalence of MHT, and these outcomes were associated with age and shift work.