Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Hypertension Among Bank Employees: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia

Background and Objectives: Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most common non-communicable medical conditions and the leading preventable risk factor for early mortality worldwide. As a result of their exposure to sedentary work and job strain, bank employees comprise an occupational group at risk for HTN. Due to the lack of previous research addressing this issue in Saudi Arabia, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of HTN and its associated factors among bankers in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 342 bank employees. A self-administered questionnaire in the workplace was used to collect data on the sociodemographic characteristics and risk factors of participants, including smoking, physical activity, family history of HTN, and diabetes mellitus. Each participant's blood pressure, height, and weight were measured. Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale was used to assess stress levels. Results: The prevalence of HTN in the participants was 28.9%. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that being a smoker (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-3.25), diabetic (aOR = 5.14, 95% CI: 1.60-16.54), or obese (aOR = 5.49, 95% CI: 2.75-10.96); having a positive family history of HTN (aOR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.36-4.51); and having a very high stress score (≥21; aOR = 3.24, 95% CI: 1.04-10.11) were associated with an increased risk of HTN, while walking for 10 min continuously ≥7 times/week (aOR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.12-0.64) was associated with a decreased risk of HTN. Conclusions: The findings revealed that almost one out of three bank employees had HTN. Periodic screening for early detection of HTN, as well as implementing health education and lifestyle modification programs, is recommended.