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Job stressors among female physicians: relation to having a clinical diagnosis of hypertension

Olesja Nedić1, Karen Belkić, Danka Filipović

  • 1Ambulatory Health Care Center, Division for Occupational Health Protection, Novi Sad, Serbia.

International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health
|July 29, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Occupational stress significantly increases hypertension risk in female physicians. Reducing work stressors may aid in preventing hypertension and other health issues for this demographic.

Area of Science:

  • Occupational health
  • Cardiovascular disease epidemiology
  • Psychosomatic medicine

Background:

  • Hypertension is a significant health concern among physicians.
  • Occupational stress is a potential contributing factor to hypertension in medical professionals.
  • Female physicians may face unique occupational stressors impacting their health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between occupational stress and hypertension in female physicians.
  • To identify specific occupational stressors linked to hypertension.
  • To explore factors associated with a favorable risk profile (FRP) for cardiovascular health.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 109 female physicians in Novi Sad.
  • Utilized the physician-specific Occupational Stress Index (OSI) questionnaire.
  • Statistical analysis included adjusting for covariates like BMI and calculating odds ratios (ORs).

Main Results:

  • High occupational stress (OSI high-demand score) was associated with a 3.14-fold increased odds of hypertension.
  • Long work hours and hazardous task performance elevated hypertension risk among overweight physicians (BMI > 26).
  • A favorable risk profile was associated with being a non-smoker, having a hobby, lower BMI, and lower threat avoidant vigilance.

Conclusions:

  • Occupational stress is a significant risk factor for hypertension in female physicians.
  • Interventions aimed at reducing work-related stressors should be considered for hypertension prevention strategies.
  • Promoting healthy lifestyle factors like non-smoking and hobbies may contribute to a favorable cardiovascular risk profile.

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