High Prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases Risk Factors in 36,074 South African Financial Sector Employees: A Cross-Sectional Study

J Occup Environ Med. 2021 Feb 1;63(2):159-165. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002104.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors, total NCD risk category and 10-year risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in financial sector employees.

Methods: This descriptive observational cross-sectional analysis, data from 36,074 employees was analysed. NCD risk factor data was obtained from health risk assessments that included a questionnaire and clinical measures. The 10-year risk for CVD was calculated using the Framingham non-laboratory based equation.

Results: Inadequate fruit and vegetable intake (89.3%), insufficient physical activity (77.4%), and being overweight (66.8%) were the most prevalent risk factors. Women had significantly higher prevalence ratios for central obesity (2.28; P < 0.001), insufficient physical activity (1.21; P < 0.001), hypercholesterolaemia (1.15; P < 0.001), and overweight (1.08; P < 0.001) compared with men.

Conclusion: A more concerted effort is required to provide employees with appropriate tools and education at the workplace to decrease and manage NCDs.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension*
  • Male
  • Noncommunicable Diseases* / epidemiology
  • Overweight / epidemiology
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors