Hypertension in Workers: The Role of Physical Activity and its Different Dimensions

The Correlation Between the Type of Occupation Toward Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels in Individuals with Hypertension

Daily activities and occupation can significantly influence health conditions, so a health assessment related to occupational factors is essential to reduce the risk of the disease. One of the leading causes of mortality from cardiovascular disease worldwide is hypertension. This study aims to determine the correlation between the type of occupation toward blood pressure and cholesterol levels in individuals with hypertension. This paper was an analytical observational study with a cross-sectional approach. The population was individuals with hypertension at Depok 2 Public Health Centre, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. In addition, the sample was 121 respondents with consecutive sampling. The independent variable was the type of occupation, and the dependent variables were blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Instruments were a questionnaire to evaluate the characteristics of respondents and the type of occupation, a digital sphygmomanometer to examine blood pressure, and cholesterol test kits to assess cholesterol levels. The data analysis used the Chi-Square test with α=0.05. Most respondents were female (59.5%) and aged 60-69 years old (47.1%). They worked in the informal sector (81.2%). In addition, they had grade 1 hypertension (52.1%). There was no significant correlation between the type of occupation and blood pressure in individuals with hypertension (p=0.248). In addition, most respondents had high cholesterol levels (50.4%). Furthermore, there was no significant association between the type of occupation and cholesterol levels in individuals with hypertension (p=0.128). In conclusion, the type of occupation is not a risk factor for increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels in individuals with hypertension.

The Association between Physical Activity and Cognitive Function: Data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey

Background

Decreased cognitive function is a common problem in the old adults, which has high risk of progression to Alzheimer's diseases (AD) and other dementias. This study was aimed at finding out the association between physical activity and cognitive function.

Methods

In total, 1514 participants with the age ≥ 55 years old registered in the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) database were selected in this study. The association between physical activity and cognitive function was analyzed via the generalized additive model. The association between the variables and the cognitive function score was expressed as β coefficient with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

After adjusting age, ethnicity, stratum, marital status, education, memory status, and memory changes, the cognitive function score was increased by 0.011 points for every 1-point increase in domestic score (β = 0.011, P = 0.043). Subgroup analysis indicated that in the female group, for every 1-point increase in the domestic score, the cognitive function score increased by 0.019 points (β = 0.019, P = 0.017). In people with good memory status, each 1-point increase in domestic score increased the cognitive function score of 0.020 points (β = 0.020, P = 0.017).

Conclusions

The decreased cognitive function was correlated with decreased domestic physical activity. The increased domestic physical activity was associated with an increased cognitive function in females and people with good memory status. The findings might offer a reference for deep understanding of the association between physical activity and cognitive function.