Hene, NcebaWood, Paola SilviaSchwellnus, Martin PeterJordaan, EsmeLaubscher, Ria2022-01-212021-02Hene, N., Wood, P., Schwellnus, M. et al. 2021, 'High prevalence of non-communicable diseases risk factors in 36,074 South African financial sector employees : a cross-sectional study', Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, vol. 63, no. 2, pp. 159–165.1076-2752 (print)1536-5948 (online)10.1097/JOM.0000000000002104http://hdl.handle.net/2263/83413This publication was a requirement for Nceba Hene's PhD degree.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.en© 2020 American College of Occupational and Environmental MedicineNon-communicable diseases (NCDs)Cardiovascular disease (CVD)Financial sectorEmployeesPostprint Article