engleski

Risk of developing cardiovascular disease in a group of oil refinery workers in Croatia

AIM. The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors for cardiovascular disease and possible differences in two groups of workers, oil refinery employees (n=174) and office workers (n=212), comparable in gender (male), age and work duration time. METHODS. The assessment was based on anthropometric measurement, blood biochemistry analyses and use of standardised questionnaire that was completed during periodic medical examination. This examination covered blood pressure, serum lipids, overweight, alcohol consumption and smoking habit. RESULTS. The collected data show 42% of hypertension (blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or greater) in oil refinery workers and 34% in office workers (OR=1, 6+0, 21 ; 95%CI=1, 06-2, 41). Smoking rates were 37% and 40%, daily alcohol consumption rates were 67% and 60%, respectively. Severe obesity (Body Mass Index greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2) was found in 27% of refinery workers and in 23% of office workers, serum cholesterol of > or = 5.2 mmol/L in 33% and 27%, serum triglyceride > or = 1.91 mmol/L in 35% and 32%, respectively. Blood pressure levels as well as anthropometrics and biochemical patterns don’ t differ significantly between two groups. In multiple logistic analyses the variables significantly related to high blood pressure were lipid levels, smoking and body mass indices. CONCLUSION. The screening for health risks would be potentially useful for the early identification of metabolic-related disorders. The findings of high blood pressure do not seem to be related to exposure to any occupational hazard in oil refinery workers due to mostly automated tasks and scrupulous management of the working environment. As modifiable life-style traits relate to the incidence of hypertension, public health education and health promotion counselling provided by occupational health services are urgently needed. Considering the results, previous occupational exposure and psychosocial work and family environment have to be taken into account.

cardiovascular risk; occupational exposure; life-style habits

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