A startling new medical study has uncovered a severe and largely overlooked public health crisis among a vital workforce in Nigeria's southwestern region. Research published in the peer-reviewed journal Cureus reveals that nearly one in three transport workers operating in Ibadan is living with hypertension.
The Stark Findings: Transport Workers at High Risk
The research, titled “Determinants of Hypertension Among Transport Workers in Ibadan: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach,” was published on December 22, 2025. It meticulously examined blood pressure levels and associated risk factors among transport workers, comparing them with traders who work in the same motor park environments.
Age emerged as the single strongest predictor of high blood pressure. The data showed that among transport workers aged 45 years and above, the situation is even more critical, with almost half found to have elevated blood pressure.
Lead analyst Akinpeloye Olajide, a biostatistician and epidemiologist from Georgia State University, provided crucial insight. "Hypertension here is not about one bad habit," Olajide stated. "It’s about how pressures interact over time."
Lifestyle Factors and a Surprising Comparison
The study identified several lifestyle factors contributing to the problem. Alcohol consumption, smoking, and low levels of physical activity were all directly linked to higher blood pressure readings among the participants.
While sleep disturbances were common due to long and irregular work hours, the analysis found that sleep quality did not stand as a strong independent predictor when other factors were accounted for.
One of the most telling discoveries was the disparity between transport workers and traders sharing the same workspaces. Despite the identical physical environment of the motor parks, transport workers consistently showed significantly higher blood pressure levels than their trader counterparts.
Olajide explained this divergence, pointing to the unique stresses of the job. "Long hours of sitting, traffic congestion, time pressure, and extended driving appear to add a distinct layer of cardiovascular strain," he said, emphasizing that the very nature of transport work escalates health risks.
Urgent Public Health Recommendations and Warnings
The researchers stress that their findings carry major implications for public health strategy in Nigeria. They have issued a series of practical recommendations aimed at curbing this epidemic:
- Implementing routine blood pressure screening programs directly within motor parks.
- Conducting early checks for abdominal obesity among workers.
- Actively promoting physical activity tailored to their schedules.
- Providing clear, practical guidance on alcohol consumption.
"Knowing your blood pressure and waist measurement may be the earliest and most effective intervention for many of these workers," Olajide advised, highlighting simple yet powerful first steps.
The study concludes with a crucial warning. While hypertension is widespread among these essential workers, it is not an inevitable fate. Failing to address this condition could result in severe long-term social and economic costs for communities that depend heavily on road transport, underscoring the need for immediate action.
