Overweight and hypertension in workers from companies benefited by the Worker Food Program (WFP)

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the prevalences of overweight (OW), hypertension (HY) and associated factors in workers from companies benefited by the Worker Food Program (WFP) in the city of Sao Paulo. Methods: Cross sectional study with 1,339 workers from 30 companies. Data collection was carried out through a questionnaire with descriptive informations of workers and self-reported weight and height. Blood pressure was measured and nutritional status was classified according to body mass index (BMI). Odds ratios were estimated to evaluate the risk factors associated to HY and OW. Results: Workers were, on average, 36.4 years old (sd = 10.3), had 9.9 years of education (sd = 2.3), and 60% of the sample were male. In comparison with men, women presented significantly smaller values of weight, systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and BMI, and higher schooling. The prevalence in men of OW (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) (56%) and HY (SBP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or DBP ≥ 90 mmHg or use or anti-hypertensive medications) (38%) was approximately two-fold than in women (30% and 19%), respectively. Age was a risk factor for the occurrence of OW and HY for both genders; whereas schooling was a protective factor for OW and HY in women and a risk factor for OW in men. Discussion: Male workers showed a greater risk for OW and HY and should be prioritized in prevention programs for these diseases. In that sense, the WFP presents itself as a good opportunity for health and nutrition actions in the workplace.