Publication:

Variations in point prevalence of diabetes, basal metabolic rate, body mass index, blood pressure and peripheral oxygen saturation in non-smoking household cigar workers in comparison to non-smoking general population: a cross sectional comparative study

Background The aim was to investigate the prevalence of diabetes in non-smoking cigar workers and non smoking general population. Additional Objective was to assess the variations in Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), Body Mass Index (BMI), Blood Pressure, Peripheral Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) in non-smoking cigar workers and non smoking General Population.

Methods Anthrapometric variables (height, weight, BMI), BMR, Random Blood Glucose (by portable glucometer), Blood Pressure (digital sphygmomanometer), Peripheral Oxygen Saturation (portable fingertip oximeter) were determined.

Results 17% of non-smoking cigar workers and 7% of non-smoking general population were diabetic respectively. (p<0.05, χ2= 4.735). Overall increase in means of Random Blood Glucose Level, Systolic Blood Pressure, Diastolic Blood Pressure, Mean Arterial Pressure, Rate Pressure Product and decrease in means of Peripheral Oxygen Saturation was recorded in nonsmoking cigar workers compared to non smoking general population which was statistically significant with p<0.05. Prevalence rates of Prehypertension, Stage - I Hypertension, Stage - II Hypertension was found to be 27%, 44% and 13% in non smoking cigar workers and 37%, 21%, 9% in non-smoking general population.(p<0.001, χ2=24.228). Prevalence of Prehypertension and Hypertension was statistically significant with the period of service of cigar workers (p=0.05, χ2= 26.279).

Conclusions Increased prevalence of diabetes, prehypertension and hypertension were found in non-smoking cigar workers. Random Blood Glucose Levels, Systolic Blood Pressure, Diastolic Blood Pressure, Mean Arterial Pressure, Rate Pressure Product were increased and Peripheral Oxygen Saturation was decreased in cigar workers when compared to non smoking general population.