ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this research was to quantify the presence of occupational stressors and to analyze their effects on temporary and permanent working ability of workers with arterial hypertension. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research included 817 workers. The study group consisted of 504 workers with arterial hypertension without other diseases or disorders, whereas the control group was composed of 313 healthy workers. RESULTS: The study group showed a significantly higher level of total occupational stress index as well as of the stress index related to high job demands, conflicts at work place, underload and time limit (p<0.001) compared to the control group. A positive and statistically significant correlation between total occupational stress index and systolic and diastolic blood pressure was found in the study group. The total level of occupational stress over 40 led to a significant increase of systolic and diastolic blood pressure in persons with arterial hypertension. The analysis of temporary working inability determined a statistically significantly higher level of lost workdays per a worker in the study group compared to the controls (p<0.001). The average number of lost workdays per a worker in a year in the study group increased statistically significantly along with the occupational stress index values at their work place (p<0.001). In the study group the number of workers eligible for disability retirement over a period of one year was significantly higher compared to the controls. The number of workers eligible for disability retirement in the exposed group increased statistically significantly along with occupational stress index values at their work place. CONCLUSION: The results show that occupational stress is a significant factor in the development of arterial hypertension and reduction of work ability of exposed workers.