Occupational workload and cardiovascular risk among commercial airline pilots

Abstract

Background and aims: Commercial airline pilots are exposed to cumulative occupational stressors, including circadian rhythm disruption and prolonged sitting, which may increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. This study aimed to analyze the association between body mass index (BMI) and total flight hours with cardiovascular disease risk among commercial airline pilots. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 226 pilots. Cardiovascular risk was assessed using the Framingham Risk Score (FRS). Data were analyzed using Spearman correlation and ordinal logistic regression to identify independent predictors. Results: The majority of respondents were classified as obese (65.9%), and 50.0% were categorized as having moderate cardiovascular risk. Bivariate analysis showed a significant association between BMI and cardiovascular risk (p = 0.035; r = 0.140) and between total flight hours and cardiovascular risk (p = 0.001; r = 0.269). In multivariable analysis, total flight hours (AOR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.18–2.07; p = 0.002) and age (AOR = 1.09; 95% CI: 1.03–1.15; p = 0.004) remained significant predictors, while BMI was no longer significant (p = 0.094). Conclusion: Total flight hours are an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease risk among commercial airline pilots, whereas BMI does not independently predict risk after adjustment.

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