Assessing Risk Factors of Hypertension and Ischemic Heart Disease among School Teachers in Georgiaa

Abstract

Hypertension and Ischemic Heart Disease are vastly common causes of death and disability across the world. In Georgia, the prevalence of these pathologies is gradually increasing. School teachers in particular due to stress, busy schedule and physical inactivity are at high risk of developing hypertension and ischemic heart disease alongside with other disorders. In this study our aim was to assess and allocate the main risk factors of hypertension and ischemic heart disease among different teaching level school teachers in Georgia. The study began in March 2024 and continued till the end of April. Study design was cross-sectional using questionnaire. The target population comprised school teachers and the cluster sampling technique was used in three schools – one in Tbilisi, two in Kutaisi. Total 160 teachers participated in the study - 94% females and 6% males. Data regarding socio-demographic risk factors like age, gender, BMI, marital status and behavioral factors like tobacco use, physical inactivity, alcohol intake, eating pattern and sleeping deprivation were collected. For elaborate results we also gained information about chronic, familial diseases and complications aroused after getting COVID-19 single or multiple times, as well as the vaccination. Data was analyzed by using proportions of percentages. The results showed that primary and secondary level school teachers compared to elementary suffered of high level of stress, sleep problems, eating disorders and chronic diseases: hypertension (15%), diabetes (4%), ischemic heart disease (63%), COPD (3%), gout (12%). Most of them (66%) had no familial history of chronic diseases and 22% have connected the diseases with COVID-19. Other complaints after COVID-19 included: arrhythmia, distorted perception, musculoskeletal fatigue, allergic reactions and kidney problems. The recommendations were given for prevention.