Korean J Occup Health Nurs.  2017 Nov;26(4):247-260. 10.5807/kjohn.2017.26.4.247.

Predictors of Hypertension among Middle-aged and Elderly Self-employed Workers: Results from a Baseline Survey of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging

• Lee SJ
• Lee TW
• Kim S

• KMID: 2400948
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5807/kjohn.2017.26.4.247

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the individual and working environment-related factors affecting hypertension among middle-aged and elderly self-employed workers in South Korea.
METHODS
This was a secondary data analysis of data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA). The study sample included 1,319 middle-aged and elderly self-employed workers who were diagnosed without hypertension and older than 45 years at Wave 1 of the KLoSA. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis using SPSS 20.0.
RESULTS
About 20% of the middle-aged and elderly self-employed workers were diagnosed with hypertension within about 8 years from the baseline. the significant predictors of hypertension among the participants were age, diabetes mellitus, body mass index, frequency of health examinations, working hours per week, the presence of regular day off, and the type of job.
CONCLUSION
Middle-aged and elderly self-employed workers are vulnerable to work-related health problems. In order to prevent hypertension among self-employed workers, it is necessary to improve the work environment-related factors as well as individual life styles.

Keyword

Hypertension; Middle aged; Elderly; Self-employed workers

MeSH Terms

Aged*
Aging*
Body Mass Index
Diabetes Mellitus
Humans
Hypertension*
Korea
Life Style
Longitudinal Studies*
Middle Aged
Statistics as Topic
Surveys and Questionnaires*