Prevalence of prehypertension and undiagnosed hypertension among urban bankers of Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study

Background: Bankers live a sedentary and highly stressful life that often leads to developing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, mental disorders, etc. The study aims to assess the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension and prehypertension among urban bankers in Bangladesh. Design and methods: Data from 365 bankers from five public and private banks in Bangladesh were collected using a pretested semistructured questionnaire. The Seventh Joint National Committee on Hypertension (JNC 7) guideline was followed to define prehypertension and undiagnosed hypertension. Multivariable logistic regression models were created to investigate the associated factors. Results: The prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension and prehypertension were 22.5% and 55.3%, respectively. Most of the bankers were males and 35–44 years of age. The risk of hypertension and prehypertension was significantly higher among males (Odds ratio [OR], 16.6; OR, 6.4), longer service duration (F, 3.6), prolonged working hours (OR, 3.8; OR, 3.1), smoking (OR, 6.2; OR, 3.4), overweight (OR, 6.8; OR, 2.4) and obese (OR, 8.9; OR, 3.4) bankers, respectively. After controlling for confounders, the predictors of hypertension were males (Adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 12.8; 95%CI, 2.7–60), current smokers (aOR, 2.9; 95%CI, 1–8), overweight (aOR, 5.1; 95%CI, 1.5–17.9), and obesity (aOR, 9.6; 95%CI, 2.4–38.2). For prehypertension, males (aOR, 9.7; 95%CI, 3.1–30.9) and obesity (aOR, 3.9; 95%CI, 1.5–10.3) were found as predictors. Conclusion: More than three-fourths of bankers in Bangladesh have either prehypertension or undiagnosed hypertension. Although this study included only urban banks, a large-scale study is recommended to understand the overall NCD risk factors burden among this professional group- bankers in Bangladesh.