Physical activity overcomes the effects of cumulative work time on hypertension prevalence among Brazilian taxi drivers.
BACKGROUND
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.
Center for Cardiology and Exercise, State Institute of Cardiology Aloysio de Castro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - vieiramc@yahoo.com.br.
Marcelo C
MC
Vieira
Sandro
S
Sperandei
Arianne C
AC
Reis
D000328:Adult; D001334:Automobile Driving; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003132:Commerce; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016526:Workload