Waist circumference as a determinant and indicator of hypertension among women batik workers

Background: The prevalence of hypertension in developing countries is higher than the one in developed countries. One of the triggers of hypertension is central obesity. Aim: This study aimed to examine waist circumference (WC) capacity to identify subjects with hypertension among Women Batikwokers (WBW). Methods: A cross-sectional study was held in Kulonprogo, Yogyakarta, from May to August 2019. Structured questionnaires gathered sociodemographic data. Food habits were collected by Food frequency questionnaires, while anthropometric factors and blood pressure were measured. We examined hypertension prevalence (systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥140 mmHg, or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg. Associations between sociodemographic characteristics, food habits, anthropometry factors, and hypertension were identified through Spearman Test. The hypertension risk factor was analyzed through logistic regression models, and the hypertension indicator was analyzed through discriminant analysis. Results: Prevalence of hypertension among women batik workers was 42.0%, including 29% in Stage 1 Blood Pressure (SBP 140–159) and 13 % in Stage 2 BP (SBP ≥ 160). Rank Spearman's analyses showed that increasing waist circumference (p 80 cm had increased risk of hypertension (OR = 3.836; 95% CI: 1.551-9.485). WC cut-off points of 83.3 cm correctly identified 62.0% of women batik workers with hypertension. Conclusion: Waist circumference is a determinant for hypertension in women batik workers. The WC cut-off points analyzed (> 83.3 cm) showed moderate power to differentiate individuals with hypertension in women batik workers.