Hypertension and Its Associated Factors Among Long-Distance Truck Drivers in Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction Hypertension is rising globally and is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease. It affects people of different groups; however, owing to a rise in a sedentary lifestyle it is more prevalent among long-distance truck drivers. However, the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among truck drivers in Ethiopia is not known. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among long-distance truck drivers in Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 415 long-distance truck drivers selected by systematic random sampling technique at Modjo dry port from May 15 to 30, 2021. The data were collected and entered into Epi-data 4.6 then it was exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariable, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were executed. The odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was computed. In the final model, a variable with a p ≤ 0.05 was declared as a predictor of hypertension. Results The prevalence of hypertension among long-distance truck drivers in Ethiopia was 34.7%. The odds of hypertension was higher among drivers who were ≥45 years old [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.32; 95% Confidence interval (CI): 2.16, 8.62], obese [AOR= 5.12; 95% CI: 1.33, 19.8], alcohol drinkers [AOR=3.05; 95% CI: 1.27, 7.31], and cigarette smokers [AOR= 3.74; 95% CI: 1.64, 8.51]. Drivers who had regular physical exercise were less likely [AOR=0.33; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.63] to have hypertension than drivers with no physical activity. Conclusion More than a third of the participants in Ethiopia had hypertension. Higher age, obesity, absence of rest between driving, short sleep duration, smoking, alcohol drinking, and physical inactivity were significantly associated with hypertension. Therefore, health education on lifestyle modifications, sleep habits, and the importance of rest breaks between driving should be considered to prevent hypertension and further complications.

Hypertension among auto-rickshaw drivers in Belagavi, South India: A cross-sectional study

“…The mean age of the participants was 39.71 ± 11.07 smoking, and tobacco consumption, as well as the existence of comorbidities like overweight and obesity, may be associated with increased prevalence of HTN. 6,18,19 All 600 participants were male, consistent with other studies. 7,13 Most of the participants had a high school education (54.50%).…”

“…23 Around 47% of the participants were hypertensive (including previously known cases) consistent with studies done among ARDs and professional drivers. 13,19,21,24 In general, ARDs have higher levels of HTN, overweight, and obesity than the general population. This can be explained by their sedentary work pattern, long hours of inactivity, constant mental stress, and a higher level of tobacco use all of which are known to be risk factors.…”

Regression Analysis of Heart Rate for Driving Fatigue using Box-Behnken Design

“…Due to stimulation from the nervous system, the increasing heart rate causes hypertension by increasing the blood pressure on the inner walls of the arteries. A study found that drivers of long-distance trucks with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher are more likely to suffer from hypertension [26].…”