Job strain and masked hypertension.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether psychosocial work characteristics are associated with the prevalence of masked hypertension in a population of white collar workers.


METHODS
White-collar workers were recruited from three public organizations. Blood pressure (BP) was measured at the workplace for manual measurements (mean of the first three readings taken by a trained assistant) followed by ambulatory measurements (mean of all subsequent readings taken during the working day). Masked hypertension (MH) was defined as manual BP <140/90 mm Hg, and ambulatory BP ≥135/85 mm Hg. Job strain was evaluated, using the quadrant method for exposure assessment, as well as alternative formulations.


RESULTS
BP measurements were obtained from 2,357 workers (80% participation, 61% women; mean age, 44 years). For men, being in the active group (high psychological demands and high decision latitude) was associated with MH (adjusted odds ratio, 2.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.30-3.31). No significant association with a higher prevalence of MH was observed in women.


CONCLUSIONS
MH is associated with job strain in men. Workers in "active" job situations may be more likely to have the condition.
Trudel
Xavier
X
Santé des populations: URESP, Centre de recherche FRSQ du Centre hospitalier affilié universitaire de Québec, 1050 chemin St-Foy, Québec city, Québec, QB, Canada G1S 4L8. xavier.trudel.1@ulaval.ca
Brisson
Chantal
C
Milot
Alain
A
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D001795:Blood Pressure Determination / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018660:Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D007182:Income / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014937:Work / Q000523:psychology*