Hypertension and Work Stress among City Hall Workers, Bohicon, Benin

Introduction: In the general population as well as in the workplace, hypertension is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. The particularities of hypertension in the world of work remain little studied. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among workers in a town hall in Benin in 2019. Methods: This was a descriptive, analytical cross-sectional study conducted from December 2018 to January 2019. A comprehensive recruitment was conducted. Data were collected during a face-to-face interview, supplemented by measurement of anthropometric parameters and blood pressure as well as a work stress assessment. Frequencies were compared using the chi-square test and Fisher’s test. The significance level was 5%. Results: A total of 86 workers were included. Their mean age was 41.55 ± 9.82 years with a sex ratio of 6.1. The prevalence of hypertension was estimated to be 18.6% [95% CI: 11.96% - 29.75%]. Hypertension was higher in workers under work stress (41.18%) as opposed to non-stressed workers (14.49%) (p = 0.032); in those who were overweight (30.77) as opposed to non-overweight (2.94%) (p < 0.001); and in those with a family history of hypertension (38.10%) as opposed to non- stressed (13.85%) (p = 0.034). Conclusion: Work stress and obesity are modifiable factors associated with hypertension in workers at the Bohicon city hall. These factors deserve to be corrected by occupational health promotion and prevention actions.