Association of Work-related Characteristics and Hypertension among White Collar Workers

Abstract

Objectives: This study evaluated the association between work related characteristics and hypertension among white collar workers in Korea. Materials and methods: This study was based on the Third Korean Working Conditions Survey(KWCS) conducted in 2011 among workers 15 years of age or older. The total number of individuals included in the analysis was 10,365 white collar workers. Results: The prevalence rate of hypertension was 3.7% among men and 1.0% among women. In multiple logistic analysis the adjusted odds ratio showed statistically effective association to hypertension. For work related characteristics, 1.73 (95% confidence interval, 1.22-2.46) resulted for large-company workers compared with the small-company group, 2.14 (95% CI, 1.22-3.75) for the long working hours group (61 or above) compared with short working hours group(52 or below), 1.78(95% CI, 1.08-2.95) for night shift workers compared with day workers, and 1.54 (95% CI, 1.18-2.01) for high job stress workers compared with low job stress workers. Conclusions: This study showed that it is important for workers to manage their work environment in order to prevent hypertension by modifying their types of work.