Prevalencia y factores de riesgo a hipertensión arterial, en los conductores de taxis del Cantón Cuenca en el período 2014.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The taxi driver is constantly subjected to high levels of stress; in addition most of the time is sedentary, favoring excess weight due to low physical activity and eating too much, factors that contribute to cardiovascular diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with hypertension in taxi drivers of Cuenca, in 2014.

METHODS: A cross sectional study of prevalence in a universe of 3594 taxi drivers, and a sample of 377 randomly members was developed. The data were obtained applying a form; also anthropometric measures were taken. Data was analyzed using SPSS software.

RESULTS: A total of 369 men (97.9%) and 8 women (2.1%). The prevalence of hypertension was 15.6%; 12.5% in > 45 years. High blood pressure was positively associated with: BMI> 25, family history, consuming more than 5 meals per day, adding extra salt to prepared food, working more than 8 hours, sedentary lifestyle, and stress. There was no statistical association between hypertension and sex, sleeping less than 8 hours, eating in less than 30 minutes, consumption junk food, cigarette and alcohol.

CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hypertension was 15.6%; besides there was significant association between hypertension and risk factors as: BMI> 25, family history, consuming more than 5 meals per day, adding extra salt to prepared food, working more than 8 hours, sedentary lifestyle and stress.