Hypertension and blood lead levels among battery technicians and office workers in western Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Occupational exposure to lead remains a significant public health concern because of its association with hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Battery technicians are particularly at risk because of prolonged exposure to lead-containing materials.

Aim: This study assessed and compared blood lead levels (BLL), blood pressure (BP) profiles and associated risk factors among battery technicians and office workers in Western Nigeria.

Setting: The study was conducted in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed using multistage sampling. Data were collected with a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, and BP measurements were obtained. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, Fisher's exact and Student's t-tests were applied at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05.

Results: Median systolic blood pressure (SBP) was statistically significantly higher among battery technicians (124 mmHg) compared to office workers (119.33 mmHg) (p = 0.029). However, the prevalence of elevated SBP (> 140 mmHg) was 22% in technicians and 18% in office workers. Among technicians, age and years of work were significantly associated with both SBP and diastolic blood pressure. While 30% of technicians had BLL ≥ 5.00 µg/dL, all office workers had levels below this threshold (p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that elevated BP was independently driven by advancing age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.92; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.52-10.12; p = 0.005), occupational longevity exceeding 10 years (aOR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.18-5.46; p = 0.017) and work intensity over 8 h daily (aOR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.09-4.13; p = 0.027).

Conclusion: Battery technicians exhibited higher SBP levels than office workers. Improved workplace safety practices, regular use of protective devices, personal hygiene and routine biological monitoring may reduce elevated lead and hypertension among battery technicians in Nigeria.

Contribution: Improved workplace safety and practices, regular use of PPEs and personal hygiene, and routine biological monitoring among battery technicians in Nigeria may reduce elevated lead and hypertension among battery technicians.