Central Obesity and Stress- Predisposing Factors to Hypertension among Health Workers in Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State, Nigeria
Abstract Central obesity poses more threat to human health than general obesity and stress increases its presentation. This study assessed prevalence of central obesity and stress, and their association with hypertension. Two hundred and eighty-three health workers in Jos Teaching Hospital, Plateau State, Nigeria were randomly selected. Socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyles (physical activity, alcohol intake, smoking and stress) were evaluated by semi-structured and International Stress Management Association Questionnaire. Central obesity was determined by waist circumference. Crude overweight, obesity and blood pressure were assessed by Body Mass Index, Body fat percentage and digital sphygmomanometer respectively. Hypertension was defined as BP =140/90mmHg. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed and significance was set at p<0.05. Study participants were 32% males and 68% females. Mean age was 37±9.5years. Clinical and non-clinical workers wer...