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

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.