Factors associated with hypertension among nurses and midwives at Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria: A cross-sectional study from occupational health perspectives

Abstract

High blood pressure among nurses and midwives is a growing occupational health problem, especially in developing countries, driven by long hours, rotating shifts, and psychosocial stress. While caring for patients, they often neglect their own health, raising their risk of chronic non-communicable diseases. This study assessed factors contributing to hypertension among nurses and midwives at Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria, from an occupational health perspective. The study employed a cross-sectional design among 148 nurses and midwives at Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital. The data were obtained using a validated, self-administered structured questionnaire. The study's results indicated that the majority (56.0%) of respondents were 36 years of age or older, with a mean age of 34.48 (standard deviation [SD]=6.85) years. The hypertensive status of the respondents was 62.4%, occupational stress was statistically significantly positively correlated with hypertension (r=0.639, P<0.001), and shift work was statistically significantly positively correlated with hypertension (r=0.922, P<0.001). No significant difference was observed between high and low load conditions (t=0.651, P=0.520). Lifestyle risk factors, such as high salt intake, an unhealthy diet, low physical activity, and caffeine dependence, also increased the likelihood. Hypertension in nurses and midwives is driven by work stress, circadian disruption, and unhealthy lifestyles. The findings highlight the need for institutional wellness programs, flexible shift policies, and regular blood pressure checks. Policy should recognize hypertension as an occupational disease requiring workplace-based prevention.