title: Physical activity overcomes the effects of cumulative work time on hypertension prevalence among Brazilian taxi drivers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to assess the physical activity profile of taxi drivers and its relationship with hypertension prevalence in this group of workers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross sectional exploratory study. Between November 2008 and April 2009, 491 taxi drivers from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, answered a questionnaire focusing on previous hypertension diagnosis, occupational characteristics and physical activity habits. Two logistic models were developed to determine risk factors related to hypertension and to find variables associated with a higher probability of sedentarism.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Hypertension prevalence was 22.6%. The workload of the group investigated was high. Results indicate that 'age', 'body mass index', 'physical activity', and 'years as a taxi driver' are related to the probability of hypertension. Physical activity was shown to be a protection factor for hypertension, even considering the deleterious effect of time as a taxi driver. Our results also determined that the practice of physical activity is influenced by age, level of education and workload.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is recommended that programs to combat sedentary lifestyles as well as measures to reduce workloads be developed as strategies to prevent hypertension.
authors: Centro de Cardiologia do Exercício, Instituto Estadual de Cardiologia Aloysio de Castro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - arianne.reis@scu.edu.au.
authors: M C
authors: MC
authors: Vieira
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Sperandei
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Reis