Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
Background: This global meta-analysis aims to assess the prevalence of hypertension among steelworkers and its associated factors. Objective: To systematically assess hypertension prevalence and its influencing factors among steelworkers. Methods: We systematically searched nine databases (CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus and Ovid Medline) from inception to 13 April 2026. Following PRISMA guidelines and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) standards, we used Stata software with appropriate effect models. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses and Egger's test were performed to evaluate heterogeneity and publication bias. Results: This meta-analysis included 23 studies with 79,262 steelworkers. The pooled hypertension prevalence was 31%, significantly higher than the general population rate (26%). Prevalence in all-male cohorts (34.1%) exceeded that in mixed-sex cohorts, suggesting a healthy worker effect. Key risk factors were high temperatures (OR = 1.97), noise exposure (OR = 1.56), alcohol consumption (OR = 2.03), and obesity (OR = 3.25). Conclusion: Hypertension prevalence among steelworkers is substantially elevated, primarily associated with occupational exposures (e.g., high temperatures and noise) and behavioural factors (e.g., obesity and alcohol consumption). Integrating occupational hypertension surveillance into the existing prevention and control system is recommended, establishing a comprehensive model based on engineering interventions, health management, and behavioural promotion.
Xu et al. (Wed,) studied this question.