Authors

  1. Aginsky, Kerith D. PhD
  2. Constantinou, Demitri MBBCH
  3. Delport, Maretha MSc
  4. Watson, Estelle D. PhD

Abstract

This study provides a health and risk profile of blue- (BCWs) and white-collar workers (WCWs). Health screening data (n = 603; age 38.2 +/- 9.7 years) included cholesterol and glucose finger-prick test, blood pressure, body mass index, and self-reported stress levels and readiness to change. Blue-collar workers were significantly older and had higher blood pressure readings and were more likely to develop hypertension (odds ratio [OR]: 1.72; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-2.81; P = .03), but less likely to present with hypercholesterolemia (OR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.31-0.81; P = .01) and overweight/obesity (OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.42-0.99; P = .047). White-collar workers showed significantly higher cholesterol and stress levels. This study highlights the importance of occupation type in workplace health screening and intervention planning.