Physical activity overcomes the effects of cumulative work time on hypertension prevalence among Brazilian taxi drivers

Marcelo C. Vieira, Sandro Sperandei, Arianne C. Reis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the physical activity profile of taxi drivers and its relationship with hypertension prevalence in this group of workers. Cross sectional exploratory study. Between November 2008 and April 2009, 491 taxi drivers from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, answered a questionnaire focusing on previous hypertension diagnosis, occupational characteristics and physical activity habits. Two logistic models were developed to determine risk factors related to hypertension and to find variables associated with a higher probability of sedentarism. Hypertension prevalence was 22.6%. The workload of the group investigated was high. Results indicate that 'age', 'body mass index', 'physical activity', and 'years as a taxi driver' are related to the probability of hypertension. Physical activity was shown to be a protection factor for hypertension, even considering the deleterious effect of time as a taxi driver. Our results also determined that the practice of physical activity is influenced by age, level of education and workload. It is recommended that programs to combat sedentary lifestyles as well as measures to reduce workloads be developed as strategies to prevent hypertension.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)631-638
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
Volume56
Issue number5
Publication statusPublished - 2016

Keywords

  • Brazil
  • exercise
  • hypertension
  • taxicab drivers

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