Heart Health in Teachers-Do We Need to Know More?

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship between the prevalence and risk factors for cardiovascular disease and hypertension, physical activity, and mental health in teachers. METHODS: Data were drawn from the 2011-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A series of analyses were conducted utilizing exploratory data analysis, nominal logistic regression, and multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: The study sample included 148 participants. The results showed that an increase in age and BMI contributed to an increase in high blood pressure. Significance was not seen between physical activity, anxiety, and mental well-being as they related to cardiovascular disease and teaching. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and hypertension could be related to the occupation of teaching; however, additional research should be done to assess the relationship between the occupation of teaching and cardiovascular disease.