High prevalence of non-communicable diseases risk factors in 36,074 South African financial sector employees : a cross-sectional study

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.