ABSTRACT

Hypertension and obesity have emerged as significant public health challenges globally, with lifestyle factors playing major roles in their prevalence. Bankers, due to the nature of their work, are often subject to high levels of stress, sedentary lifestyles, and irregular eating habits, making them particularly vulnerable to these conditions. This study assessed the lifestyle and prevalence of hypertension and obesity among bankers in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study design was employed, with 115 respondents recruited from 10 banks through a multi-stage sampling procedure. Data were collected using structured, validated online questionnaires and anthropometric measurements, focusing on socio-demographic factors, food consumption patterns, lifestyle behaviors, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI). The results reveal a predominantly young, female workforce, with 53% under 40 years of age and 59.1% female. A majority (64.3%) of respondents held a bachelor’s degree, and most earned between 100,000 and 150,000 Naira monthly. Regarding food consumption, 66.1% of participants consumed three meals a day, with breakfast being the most commonly skipped meal. Snacking was prevalent, with 43.5% occasionally substituting snacks for meals. Lifestyle factors showed that 93.0% of respondents do not smoke, while alcohol consumption was moderate, with wine being the most preferred drink. Physical activity levels varied, with 14.8% reporting no physical activity and a high proportion (80%) leading sedentary lifestyles. Blood pressure assessments indicated a high prevalence of pre-hypertension (54.8%), followed by Stage 1 hypertension (16.5%), and Stage 2 hypertension (0.9%). Only 26.1% had normal blood pressure. Obesity was also a concern, with 26.1% of respondents classified as overweight and 13.9% obese. Furthermore, waist-hip ratio analysis revealed a significant gender disparity, with 60.3% of females in the high-risk category for abdominal obesity. The findings from this study underscore the significant health risks of hypertension and obesity among bankers in Umuahia, highlighting the need for workplace interventions. Addressing lifestyle factors through targeted health programs could improve the overall well-being and productivity of the workforce.