European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background: This study aimed to investigate the associations between the Occupational Stress Index (OSI) and three chronic diseases, namely Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and Lipid Disorders, among middle-aged individuals in Punjab.  Material & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Punjab, a state in northern India. Data collection was carried out between Jan 2023 and March 2023 in various occupational settings across the state. The data collection process involved both self-administered questionnaires and clinical assessments. The Occupational Stress Index questionnaire was used to assess occupational stress levels among participants. The collected data were entered into a statistical software program (SPSS version 25) for analysis. Results: The study included 400 participants, with an equal number (n=200) of males and females. The average age of male participants was 49.3 years, while for females, it was 47.8 years. The average BMI for males was 25.6, and for females, it was 26.9. The participants were distributed across various occupational sectors, including Manufacturing, Services, Healthcare, Administration, and Others. The prevalence of Hypertension among males was 20.0%, while among females, it was 17.5%. The prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among males was 12.5%, and among females, it was 15.0%. The prevalence of Lipid Disorders among males was 27.5%, and among females, it was 25.0%. The distribution of OSI scores revealed that 27.5% of participants had Low Stress scores, 32.5% had Moderate Stress scores, and 40.0% had High Stress scores. It was found that a higher proportion of participants with Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and Lipid Disorders had Moderate and High Stress scores. Participants with chronic diseases had higher mean OSI scores compared to those without chronic diseases, indicating higher levels of occupational stress. Conclusion: The results highlight the need for effective stress management interventions in occupational settings to mitigate the risk of developing chronic diseases.