Prevalência e fatores associados à hipertensão em trabalhadores do transporte coletivo urbano no Brasil

Abstract

Background: Urban public transport workers have major social relevance in cities. Tese workers are exposed to work conditions that cause illness, cardiovascular diseases in particular. Aim: To characterize the scientific literature on the prevalence of and factors associated with hypertension in urban public transport workers in Brazil. Methods: Integrative review conducted in April and May 2016 in databases Scientific Electronic Library Online and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, accessed via Virtual Health Library, using the following keywords: hypertension; high blood pressure; cardiovascular diseases; occupational health; epidemiology; risk factors; and "bus drivers" in Portuguese. Studies published in Portuguese from 2002 to 2016 were selected, resulting 13 articles. Results: Most of the studies had cross-sectional design, had been published in 2006 and conducted in the Southeastern region of Brazil. Te prevalence of hypertension ranged from 5.7 to 49.2%. Te associated factors found included: obesity; minor psychiatric disorders; low salt consumption; consumption of animal fat; age over 46 years old; and bus vibration. Conclusion: Te scientific literature on the analyzed subject is scant, which reinforces the need for more thorough studies. Te prevalence rates found were sometimes alarming. Lifestyle and individual work characteristics, as well as factors directly related to work stood out. Considering hypertension as a work-related factor is relevant for this class of workers, emphasizing the need to develop a permanent program for work organization improvement to promote their health.