Occupational Specific Heavy Metal Exposure: Association With Age and Anthropometric Characteristics Relative to Hypertension

The present study aimed at investigating the association between serum heavy metals, anthropometric characteristics, and hypertension among different occupations and analyzing the prediction between heavy metals, anthropometrics, and hypertension among male and female miners, artisans, laborers, and farmers. Body weight, height, and circumferences were measured via the direct standard anthropometric approach. Blood pressure (BP) was measured using a standardized mercury sphygmomanometer with an appropriate cuff size. Blood samples were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Chi-square and binary logistic regression analysis were conducted at a significance level of p < 0.05 (∗). For miners, there was no significant association between serum heavy metals, anthropometric characteristics, and hypertension (p > 0.05). Among artisans, age and anthropometric circumferences showed significant association with hypertension (χ 2 = 5.266 - 21.206, p < 0.05∗). Among laborers, age was significantly associated with hypertension (χ 2 = 62.548, p < 0.05∗). For farmers, age showed significant association with hypertension (χ 2 = 3.925, p < 0.05∗). The derived regression model, which included age as a predictor, showed that increasing age was significantly associated with higher odds of hypertension among miners (aOR: 1.076, 95% CI: 1.029-1.125) and artisans (aOR: 11.938, 95% CI: 3.349-38.621). Furthermore, anthropometric circumferences were significant predictors of hypertension among artisans (aOR: 3,427, 95% CI: 1.205-9.747) and laborers (aOR: 2.50, 95% CI: 1.130-3.207). The study contributes to the understanding of relevant of heavy metals and specific anthropometrics to BP. Understanding the effects of heavy metals and age have implications in occupational health and contribute to the development of public health interventions.