Job Demand-Control and Hypertension in African Americans and Non–African Americans

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine if occupational stress is a social determinant of elevated hypertension among African Americans. Methods: Currently employed, full-time adults from the Midlife in the United States Refresher and Midlife in the United States Milwaukee Refresher studies reported data on demographics, job characteristics, and medical history. Results: African American workers reported less job control and greater physical job demands than non-African Americans. Both physical and psychological job demands were independently associated with greater odds of high blood pressure. Job strain was associated with high blood pressure and differed by race ( P < 0.05). Conclusions:The elements of the job-demand control model differed by race and were most relevant for African Americans when exposed to high job demands and low job control. However, there was no evidence of differential vulnerability for either psychological demands, control, or physical demands for African Americans.

Highly Educated Black Americans Report Higher than Expected Perceived Job Demands

“…When faced with excessive workloads, tight deadlines, and overwhelming responsibilities, employees may experience chronic stress, 9 which can lead to adverse health outcomes over time and overall job dissatisfaction. 10,11 Prolonged exposure to high, perceived job demands can result in physical and mental health problems 12 such as cardiovascular issues 13 weakened immune system, 14,15 insomnia, 16 anxiety, and depression. 17 Implementing targeted interventions for workers at risk can help alleviate the negative health effects of high perceived job demands.…”