Prevalence of Arterial Hypertension and Associated Factors Among Female Workers in a Large Company in Southern Brazil

Background/Objectives: Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) is a multifactorial condition strongly associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of SAH and its associated factors among female workers in a large company in Southern Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 451 female workers aged 18 years or older. Blood pressure (BP) was measured using an automated digital upper-arm device. SAH was defined as systolic BP and/or diastolic BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg or the use of antihypertensive medications. Prevalence ratios were estimated using Poisson regression with robust variance. Results: The mean age of the sample was 35 ± 10 years. The prevalence of SAH was 27.7% (95% CI: 23.6–31.9). Among workers with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2), the prevalence of SAH reached 42.8%. In multivariable-adjusted models, workers aged ≥41 years had a 48% higher probability of having SAH (PR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.01–2.18) compared with younger women (18–30 years). Conversely, a 52% lower probability of SAH was observed among workers with higher monthly per capita income (>2 minimum wages) compared with those earning <1 minimum wage (PR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.28–0.80). Obesity was associated with an 85% increased probability of SAH (PR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.30–2.47). Conclusions: The findings of this study revealed that SAH is prevalent in this specific population of female workers, particularly among older women and those with obesity.