Abstract:
Objective To analyze the prevalence of hypertension as well as associated risk factors, and provide a basis and technical support for the prevention of hypertension and other common diseases among civil aviation pilots.
Methods A regular physical examination was conducted among civil aviation pilots in 2011, following the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) pilot medical examination standards. Distribution of hypertension prevalence was described among the pilots grouped by different characteristics. Logistic regression models were used to analyze risk factors.
Results The prevalence of hypertension was 4.96%, that was 904 pilots identified as high blood pressure among the total 18 230 pilots. Hypertension prevalence was found different by age, gender, nationality, body mass index (BMI), job title, family history of hypertersion, and total flight time. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors of hypertension included age (OR=2.597), gender (OR=1.290), family history of hypertension (OR=4.333), BMI (OR=2.252), job title (OR=1.377), total flight time (OR=1.377), total cholesterol (OR=1.178), low density lipoprotein (OR=1.304), and fasting plasma glucose (OR=2.064).
Conclusion Relevant intervention programs are suggested to target on the civil aviation pilots with older age, family history of hypertension, overweight or obesity, pilots or mechanics, longer total flight hours, and abnormal total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, and fasting plasma glucose.