Occupational stress meditate the association between occupational-related factors and hypertension: Findings based on welders.

Introduction: Welders are at risk of elevated blood pressure, with hypertension (HTN) linked to occupational hazards and stress. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the associations among occupational factors, stress, and HTN in welders. Methods: 2,575 welders were recruited. Demographic, occupational data and occupational stress were collected. Regression analyses and path analysis were used to examine associations and mediating effects. Results: Monthly income was inversely linked to HTN (OR=0.80), whereas longer working service (OR=1.20), confined space work (OR=1.64), shift work (OR=1.31), higher occupational role stress (OR=1.39), and higher personal strain (OR=1.48) were associated with an increased risk of HTN. Occupational stress mediated 14.00% of the association between occupational characteristics and HTN. Conclusion: Adverse occupational conditions affect HTN directly and indirectly through occupational stress, which has direct and mediating effects on HTN in welders.