STUDY OF OCCUPATIONAL RISK-FACTORS FOR PREGNANCY-INDUCED HYPERTENSIONAMONG ACTIVE-DUTY ENLISTED NAVY PERSONNEL

The relationship between occupational exposures and the risk of pregna ncy-induced hypertension (PIH) was investigated in a cohort of 5,605 e nlisted active duty military women who gave birth during a 2-year peri od of time. A panel of experts, unaware of disease status, classified the women's job titles as ''high,'' ''medium,'' or ''low'' for a varie ty of occupational exposures. PIH was identified through hospital disc harge ICD-9 diagnosis codes. Nulliparas were found to have a significa ntly increased risk ratio (RR) for PIH (RR = 2.3) compared with parous women. Nulliparas employed in jobs involving high levels of physical activity were at significantly decreased risk of PIH compared to nulli paras working at low levels of physical activity (construction craftsm en, RR = 0.37; unskilled laborers RR = 0.71). Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals was not related to risk of PIH. Although the stud y results are limited by aggregate exposure classification, they sugge st no adverse influence of occupational exertion and a possible benefi cial role among nulliparas. (C) 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.