An Assessment of Cardiovascular Health Risks in People Working from Home During the Pandemic Period: PANDEV-KALP Study
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in people working from home (WFH), which is associated with negative mental and social effects. However, the cardiovascular effects are not well established. We aimed to assess the effects of WFH on cardiovascular risk factors and health behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methodology: Companies that employ WFH were invited to study via occupational health specialists. WFH employees were sent an online self-reported questionnaire, which included demographics, WFH conditions, medical history, new-onset complaints, and health behaviors. Participants were asked to provide data on blood pressure, glucose, and lipid levels before and during the pandemic.
Results: 208 participants completed the questionnaire, and 61 provided biological data. 72 participants reported to have undergone training for WFH conditions, and 87 were able to provide regular breaks. Weekly working hours have increased by 6 hours during the pandemic (49.6±13.8 vs. 43.8±12.1, p=0.001). Participants reported a median 7.5/10 satisfaction regarding WFH. 112 (53.8%) participants had a new complaint; the most common complaints were body weight gain/increased appetite (35.1%), insomnia/anxiety (27.9%), and physical inactivity/ musculoskeletal pain (18.3%). 120 (57.6%) participants had a weight increase. Most participants did not have changes in tobacco or alcohol consumption or exercise habits during the pandemic. Data from the biological data subgroup did not show significant changes in blood pressure, blood glucose, or lipid levels.
Conclusion: WFH adversely affected modifiable cardiovascular risk factors and was associated with weight gain, increased work hours, a lack of workload planning, and increased anxiety. Although risk factors are adversely affected by WFH conditions, workers were satisfied with WFH. The training rate regarding WFH conditions was low; training about WFH should be provided to related employees, and occupational health specialists should focus on reducing specific risk factors that exist during WFH.
Keywords
Supporting Institution
The PANDEV-KALP research project was partially supported by an unrestricted research grant provided by AXA Insurance Turkey, following the decision of its Board of Directors dated April 28, 2021.
Ethical Statement
The survey was performed via an online platform that was developed for and dedicated to PANDEV-KALP Study. Each patient in the study was assigned an anonymous identification number to protect confidentiality. Written informed consent was obtained prior to the study inclusion. The study complies with the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki, and this study protocol was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Marmara University (Approval No: 09.2021.646).
Thanks
We dedicate this work to the memory of our esteemed colleague, Dr. M. Rıfat Yücel. After retiring from the Department of Physiology at Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Dr. Yücel continued his professional contributions at Tez Medikal Joint Occupational Health and Safety Unit (OSGB). He was widely respected within the medical community for his dedication, hard work, and collegial spirit. He was also amongst the researchers in this study. Dr. Yücel passed away on December 19, 2021, due to COVID-19. We remember him with deep respect, gratitude, and affection.
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