Central obesity and second-hand smoke as predictors of hypertension among terracotta artisans in India: a cross-sectional study

Terracotta artisans in India have been facing considerable health problems. The combined effect of anthropometric, occupational and socioeconomic risk factors on hypertension remains unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the association of central obesity and second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure with hypertension among the artisans’ group. A community based cross-sectional observational study design was carried out in Bankura district of West Bengal, India among 221 Terracotta artisans (125 males, 96 females). Anthropometric measurements were taken using standard techniques and all the anthropometric indices such as body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body fat percentage (PBF) were computed. Blood pressure was collected using standard guidelines. Socioeconomic status (SES) and SHS exposure were assessed using standard questionnaires. Chi-square (χ²) tests and logistic regression were performed to evaluate the associations. In this study the prevalence of hypertension among the artisans was 19.0%. Central obesity (assessed by WHR) was the strongest anthropometric predictor (OR = 4.18, 95% CI = 2.04–8.55, p < 0.01) of hypertension. In this study SHS exposure emerged as the most powerful risk factor. Artisans exposed to SHS were more than nine times more likely to have hypertension (OR = 9.18, 95% CI = 4.33–19.45, p < 0.001). SES was not significantly associated with hypertension. In this study, a strong association has been found between central obesity and SHS exposure with hypertension. Consequently, longitudinal studies and community specific health management initiatives are essential to reduce cardiovascular risks in Terracotta artisans.