Blood Pressure and Job Domains Among Hotel Housekeepers

Authors

Marie-Anne Sanon Rosemberg PhD, MN, RN, University of MichiganFollow
Bidisha Ghosh Ms., The University Of MichiganFollow
John Shaver BSNFollow
Maria Militzer MA, University of MichiganFollow
Julia Seng PhD, CNM, FAAN, University of MichiganFollow
Marjorie C. McCullagh PhD, RN, APHN-BC, COHN-S, FAAOHN, FAAN, University of MichiganFollow

Keywords

Blood pressure; 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure; research participation; hotel housekeepers; low wage workers; vulnerable workers

Disciplines

Cardiovascular Diseases | Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing | Public Health and Community Nursing

Abstract

Hotel housekeepers have challenging working conditions, putting them at risk for poor health such as hypertension. Despite their risks, few studies have measured their blood pressure (BP). The purpose of this study was to explore hotel housekeepers’ blood pressure and the associations between work and BP. Methods: A community engagement approach was used to recruit study participants. Data sources included questionnaires, and BP measurement. Results: Over 25% of the 39 hotel housekeepers reported hypertension diagnosis and/or antihypertensive medication used. Across the job domains, job satisfaction was correlated with diastolic BP, and workload was correlated with systolic BP. There were difference in blood pressure reading, diagnosis and job domains between workers affiliated with union and those with no union affiliation. Discussion: Hypertension is a major concern among this worker group and warrants further investigation. Studies targeting union and non-union workers are needed, given their differences. Researchers will likely benefit from a community engagement approach with hotel housekeepers.

Recommended Citation

Rosemberg, Marie-Anne Sanon PhD, MN, RN; Ghosh, Bidisha Ms.; Shaver, John BSN; Militzer, Maria MA; Seng, Julia PhD, CNM, FAAN; and McCullagh, Marjorie C. PhD, RN, APHN-BC, COHN-S, FAAOHN, FAAN (2018) "Blood Pressure and Job Domains Among Hotel Housekeepers," Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice: Vol. 11: Iss. 2, Article 7.
Available at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/jhdrp/vol11/iss2/7