Stress and Hypertension among University Teachers: A Cross-Sectional Survey from Northern Kerala

University teachers are consistently exposed to various risk factors for stress and hypertension. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and determine the factors associated with stress and hypertension among university teachers.

A cross-sectional survey of 234 university teachers was conducted. A cluster sampling approach was employed to select samples from two universities. Teachers Stress Inventory (TSI) was used to assess the occupational stress among teachers. The blood pressure of the participants was measured and participants were considered hypertensive when SBP was ≥140 mm Hg and DBP was ≥90 mm Hg. Descriptive statistics were employed to estimate the prevalence measures and logistic regression models were developed to determine the factors associated with stress and hypertension.

Close to 84% of university teachers experience moderate to high levels of stress. About 21.4% of university teachers were hypertensive and only 12% of them had control of their blood pressure levels. Stress levels were found to have an association with younger age of up to 45 years (AOR = 14.48; 95% CI = 2.48-84.49) and inadequate physical activity (AOR = 3.64, 95% CI = 1.02-12.90). Furthermore, hypertension status showed an association with older age of 46 years and above (AOR = 3.01; 95% CI = 1.33-6.78), a student ratio of ≥41 per class (AOR = 2.79, 95% CI = 1.37-5.65), and a moderate level of stress (AOR = 2.78, 95% CI = 1.01-7.66).

Long-term occupational stressors coupled with age may expose university teachers to a significant risk of hypertension. Workplace health strategies and stress management interventions are needed to facilitate the prevention of stress and hypertension in this occupational group.