Workplace psychosocial factors associated with hypertension in the U.S. workforce: a cross-sectional study based on the 2010 national health interview survey

Abstract

Objective: To explore associations between self-reported hypertension and workplace psychosocial factors that are common among U.S. workers and to identify industries and occupations (I&Os) that are associated with a high prevalence of hypertension, even after adjustment for common known risk factors.

Methods: Data from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey were used to examine relationships between the prevalence of self-reported hypertension and job insecurity, hostile work environment, work- family imbalance, work hours and I&O.

Results: Job insecurity (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR): 1.11; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-1.19)) and hostile work environment (aPR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.03-1.29) were significantly associated with hypertension. Hypertension prevalence was significantly elevated among those employed in Healthcare Support occupations and Public Administration industries.

Conclusion: Addressing hostile work environments and the stress associated with job insecurity may improve workers' health. Other occupational factors that contribute to the variation in prevalence of hypertension by I&O should be sought.

Keywords: hypertension; national survey; occupational exposures; occupational health.