article · BMC Public Health
A cross-sectional investigation of 392 flour mill workers in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, examined the prevalence of hypertension and its linked socio-demographic, lifestyle, and workplace factors. Standardised questionnaires and physical examinations collected participant data alongside objective occupational noise measurements recorded using dosimeters. The results showed that 34.9 percent of the workers had hypertension. Multivariable analysis revealed that occupational noise exposure of at least 80 dBA and high perceived stress were significantly linked to higher hypertension odds. Modifiable lifestyle habits, specifically adding salt at the table, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use, also increased risk. Sociodemographic attributes including being married, possessing secondary or higher education, and having a family history of hypertension were further identified as independent risk factors. Comprehensive prevention strategies targeting both environmental exposures and personal behaviours may mitigate high blood pressure in this workforce.
Hypertension is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, yet industrial settings often mask environmental and psychosocial triggers. By clarifying how workplace noise and stress interact with everyday lifestyle habits, public health authorities and employers can better protect vulnerable factory workforces. Tailoring preventative health measures to specific occupational settings helps alleviate non-communicable disease burdens in low-resource communities.
The findings outline targets for occupational health programmes, workplace safety standards, and employee wellness initiatives focusing on noise mitigation and dietary adjustment. Likely beneficiaries include factory operators, occupational medicine providers, and industrial safety regulators. However, the abstract reports early-stage observational epidemiology and does not evaluate or indicate a specific commercial technology, device, or intervention pathway ready for market deployment.
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Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, yet data on occupational determinants among flour mill workers are limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension and identify associated socio–demographic, lifestyle, and occupational factors associated with hypertension among flour mill workers in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 392 flour mill workers. Data on socio–demographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviours, occupational exposures, and psychosocial factors were collected using a standardised questionnaire and physical examination. Occupational noise exposure was objectively measured using a dosimeter. Blood pressure was measured following standardised procedures, and hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg based on three consecutive BP readings obtained at intervals of at least five minutes, or reported use of antihypertensive medication. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors independently associated with hypertension. Model diagnostics included variance inflation factor (VIF), Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit, and area under the ROC curve (AUC). Of the 392 participants, 34.9% (95% CI: 30.40%–39.79%) were hypertensive. In multivariable analysis, factors independently associated with hypertension included being married (AOR = 3.03; 95% CI: 1.43–6.41), family history of hypertension (AOR = 2.55; 95% CI: 1.43–4.52), higher education (secondary/university) (AOR = 2.54; 95% CI: 1.29–4.97), adding salt at the table (AOR = 2.08; 95% CI: 1.22–3.55), alcohol consumption (AOR = 2.48; 95% CI: 1.45–4.24), occupational noise exposure ≥ 80 dBA (AOR = 2.72; 95% CI: 1.33–5.59), tobacco use (AOR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.00–3.20), and perceived stress (AOR = 2.62; 95% CI: 1.51–4.52). The final model showed no multicollinearity (mean VIF = 1.29), good fit (Hosmer–Lemeshow p = 0.953), and high discriminative ability (AUC = 0.837). Hypertension is highly prevalent among flour mill workers, with lifestyle, psychosocial, and occupational factors being associated with hypertension prevalence. Interventions targeting salt intake, alcohol use, tobacco cessation, stress management, and noise exposure reduction may inform hypertension prevention strategies in this occupational group.
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DOI: 10.1186/s12889-026-29168-1
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