Psychosocial Stress and Its Role in Cardiovascular Disease Risk: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Working Adults

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and psychosocial stress has emerged as a significant risk factor. In Bangladesh, where many women are employed in the garment sector, understanding the impact of psychosocial stress on CVD risk is crucial for improving public health outcomes. Objective: This study aims to assess the relationship between physical and mental stress and cardiovascular disease risk factors among female workers in garment factories in Gazipur, Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2024, involving 110 female garment workers aged 30 years and above. Data were collected using structured questionnaires assessing sociodemographic characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors, and levels of physical and mental stress. The association between stress levels and CVD risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia, was analyzed using statistical methods such as chi-square tests and p-values. Results: The study found a high prevalence of CVD risk factors among the participants. Unhealthy nutrition (50%), sedentary lifestyle (59.09%), and dyslipidemia (34.55%) were the most common. Stress, both physical and mental, was significantly associated with an increased prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. High physical stress was linked to 50% of participants having hypertension and 37.5% having diabetes, while high mental stress was associated with hypertension (33.33%) and diabetes (33.33%). Additionally, a family history of hypertension and diabetes was found to exacerbate these conditions. Conclusion: Psychosocial stress, along with poor lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity and unhealthy eating habits, significantly contributes to cardiovascular disease risk among female garment workers. Addressing these modifiable factors through targeted interventions is essential for reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases in this population.