Prevalence of hypertension in Lithuanian mariners

Abstract

The purpose of the present survey is to evaluate the prevalence of hypertension in a selected group of Lithuanian seamen. This work is the first study seeking to examine the prevalence of hypertension among Lithuanian seamen as well as its association with various risk factors and dependence on demographic indices. The survey was conducted during a one year period and involved sailors from commercial, passenger and fishing boats. The survey took into account the sailors' marital status, education, professional rank and duty, and length of stay at sea. It also included demographical data, complete family health history, the sailors' awareness about their blood pressure in particular.Their dietary habits, changes in body weight, the history of alcohol intake and tobacco usage were also recorded.