Authors: Mohammed J. M Kaware , Mohammad Ali Maksoud , Anas Shmbal , Nada Gargab , Olaa Awad Mohamed Ahmed Ismail

Abstract

Background: Work stress among health professionals is an increasing area of concern, which adds to the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Stressful work conditions can also contribute to poor health habits like smoking and a lack of physical exercise when experienced over a prolonged period.

Aim: To evaluate the relationship between occupational stress and cardiovascular risk factors in Saudi Arabian healthcare workers.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 303 healthcare workers in Care Medical Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was performed with the use of a structured questionnaire that covered demographic data, level of occupational stress, and cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure, blood sugar, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, physical activity, and chronic disease history. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests were used to compute associations through statistical analyses.

Results: The majority of healthcare employees identified a low level of occupational stress; yet, the stress level was significantly related to younger age, marital status, smoking, and hypertension (p < 0.05). The level of blood sugar was surprisingly greater in the non-stressed group (p = 0.011). The researchers found no significant differences in BMI or the prevalence of diabetes between stressed and non-stressed groups.

Conclusion: The results obtained show that occupational stress is closely related to certain cardiovascular risk factors, in particular, smoking and hypertension. Health care is a high-stress environment that requires targeted stress management and wellness programs to help eliminate long-term CVD risk factors.

Keywords: Occupational stress, Cardiovascular risk, Healthcare workers, Hypertension, Smoking, Saudi Arabia.