Hypertension in the Workplace: Study among Workers in an Oil Production Company in Pointe-Noire (Congo)

Abstract

Hypertension is a real public health problem in the world. The almost rare data on hypertension in the Congolese oil sector led us to carry out this study. Objective: Describe the epidemiological profile of the hypertensive worker in a Congolese oil production company in the city of Pointe-Noire. Methodology: This is an observational study, descriptive cross in collection of retrospective data, which involved 815 workers. After informed consent, a questionnaire was administered to workers whose variables such as weight, height, and blood pressure were taken. Statistical analysis was carried out using the EPI-INFO 7 software. Results: The prevalence of hypertension in workers was 16.3%, i.e. 18.0% in men and 8.0% in women with a significant difference (p <0.05). 25.8% of hypertensive workers were obese and 19.0% overweight. Obese workers were approximately 5 times more vulnerable than others to hypertension, and this was significantly (p <0.001). Risk factors such as age, gender and BMI and diabetes have been significantly associated with hypertension. The older the worker, the more there was an increased risk of developing hypertension (p <0.001). However, other factors such as sports activity and smoking were not significantly related to hypertension (p ˃ 0.05). Conclusion: Hypertension is a worrying pathology among workers in an oil company in Congo. It would be imperative to strengthen communication with employees with the aim of raising awareness and changing behavior.