Hypertension among migrant workers in Saudi Arabia: results from a large epidemiological study

Purpose Little is known about hypertension (HTN) prevalence among migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, who comprise one third of the population. This paper aims to assess the prevalence and correlates of HTN in migrant workers. Design/methodology/approach This cross-sectional study enrolled migrant workers from various professions (auto-repair workers, city cleaners, construction workers, hairdressers, hospital cleaners, poultry factory workers and restaurant workers) in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. Blood pressure, height, weight and waist circumference were measured using standard protocols. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure = 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure = 90 mmHg or if they took medications for HTN. Participants were interviewed on demography, lifestyle, chronic conditions, mental health and work conditions. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze data in SPSS. Findings The sample’s (n = 2123) mean (SD) age was 35 (9) years; 14.7% were women and 28.4% had HTN. In the adjusted model, older age (>50 years), certain nationalities (Bangladeshi, Filipino, Indian, Pakistani), certain occupations (construction, poultry factory), poor self-rated health, past smoking and a longer stay in Saudi Arabia (≥10 years) were associated with a higher likelihood of HTN. Centrally obese participants with or without general obesity had a higher likelihood of HTN than participants with no obesity. Originality/value The study identified subgroups of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia who are at high risk for HTN. This information could guide the development of targeted screening and prevention strategies.