Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Hospital Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Hospital-Based Repeated Measures...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cardiology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted healthcare workers' (HCWs) mental health, but its effect on chronic physiological illnesses, particularly cardiovascular diseases, is less understood.
• Existing research primarily focuses on burnout and stress in HCWs, with limited data linking these to cardiovascular risk factors during pandemics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess changes in cardiovascular risk factors among hospital employees, including HCWs, before and after the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To identify specific subgroups of hospital workers at higher risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 514 hospital employees (≥20 years) in Taiwan underwent physical examinations and lab tests twice: pre-pandemic (2020) and post-pandemic (2021).
• Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and blood biochemical parameters (glucose, lipids).
• Statistical analyses involved pairwise tests for pre- vs. post-pandemic changes and multivariate regressions to identify risk factors associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

Main Results:

• Hospital employees exhibited significant increases in abnormal BMI, blood pressure, plasma glucose, and total cholesterol levels post-pandemic.
• Females showed greater post-pandemic increases in BMI, waist circumference, and blood pressure compared to males.
• Higher education and longer job tenure were associated with greater increases in BMI, triglycerides, and total cholesterol.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted cardiovascular risk factors in hospital workers, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
• Females, older workers, and those with higher education or longer job tenure represent vulnerable groups requiring specific preventive strategies.
• Implementing proactive cardiovascular disease prevention measures for HCWs is essential during and after infectious disease outbreaks.