Hypertension is one of the cardiovascular diseases classified as a NonCommunicable Disease (NCD). Among the predisposing factors are behavioral and
lifestyle related factors such as poor diet, lack of physical exercise, too much stress,
physical inactivity, tobacco smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol. This
study determined the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among call
centre employees. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study design. Data
collection was done in two parts. Part one comprised of clinical assessments
measuring weight, height, Body Mass Index and blood pressure while part two
comprised a questionnaire. Data was collected from a sample population of 400
respondents. Data analysis was done using descriptive method followed by bivariate
analysis. Predisposing factors at p<0.05 were considered for multivariable analysis.
Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) of 95% confidence Interval was calculated using binary
logistic regression. Odds Ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to determine
the strength of association. Total respondents were 400 with 34.9% male while
65.1% female. 25.1% of participants were obese, 53.0% pre-hypertension, 13.5%
hypertension stage 1, with 16.2% hypertension stage 2. The proportion of
hypertension was significantly higher among overweight respondents at 32.7% and
60.2% obese. Nine factors were associated with hypertension at bivariate analysis
(P<0.05), these were reduced to four factors at multiple regression analysis using the
reduced model. From the study findings, 30% of the respondents are at risk of
developing hypertension. Four factors were identified as predisposing to
hypertension: Respondents with increased Body Mass Index-both overweight and
obese. Respondents who do not engage in physical activity, Respondents who
consume excess fat in their diet and those respondents with parental responsibilities.
Study findings depicts the need for interventions and greater emphasis on health
promotion and well-being at the call centre. This calls for staff empowerment
towards health seeking behaviors and adoption of healthy lifestyle options.
Hypertension is one of the cardiovascular diseases classified as a NonCommunicable Disease (NCD). Among the predisposing factors are behavioral and
lifestyle related factors such as poor diet, lack of physical exercise, too much stress,
physical inactivity, tobacco smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol. This
study determined the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among call
centre employees. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study design. Data
collection was done in two parts. Part one comprised of clinical assessments
measuring weight, height, Body Mass Index and blood pressure while part two
comprised a questionnaire. Data was collected from a sample population of 400
respondents. Data analysis was done using descriptive method followed by bivariate
analysis. Predisposing factors at p<0.05 were considered for multivariable analysis.
Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) of 95% confidence Interval was calculated using binary
logistic regression. Odds Ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to determine
the strength of association. Total respondents were 400 with 34.9% male while
65.1% female. 25.1% of participants were obese, 53.0% pre-hypertension, 13.5%
hypertension stage 1, with 16.2% hypertension stage 2. The proportion of
hypertension was significantly higher among overweight respondents at 32.7% and
60.2% obese. Nine factors were associated with hypertension at bivariate analysis
(P<0.05), these were reduced to four factors at multiple regression analysis using the
reduced model. From the study findings, 30% of the respondents are at risk of
developing hypertension. Four factors were identified as predisposing to
hypertension: Respondents with increased Body Mass Index-both overweight and
obese. Respondents who do not engage in physical activity, Respondents who
consume excess fat in their diet and those respondents with parental responsibilities.
Study findings depicts the need for interventions and greater emphasis on health
promotion and well-being at the call centre. This calls for staff empowerment
towards health seeking behaviors and adoption of healthy lifestyle options.
