Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases at Baseline and Their Short-Term Changes in a Workplace Cohort in Singapore

Sathish, Thirunavukkarasu; Dunleavy, Gerard; Soljak, Michael; Visvalingam, Nanthini; Divakar, Ushashree; Thach, T-Q; Nazeha, Nuraini; Bajpai, Ram; Cheung, Kei; Vries, Hein; Soh, C-K; Christopoulos, Georgios; Car, Josip

Abstract

We aimed to examine the behavioural and clinical risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) at baseline and their changes over 12 months in a workplace cohort in Singapore. A total of 464 full-time employees (age = 21 years) were recruited from a variety of occupational settings, including offices, control rooms, and workshops. Of these, 424 (91.4%) were followed-up at three months and 334 (72.0%) were followed up at 12 months. Standardized questionnaires were used to collect data on health behaviours and clinical measurements were performed by trained staff using standard instruments and protocols. Age-adjusted changes in risk factors over time were examined using generalized estimating equations or linear mixed-effects models where appropriate. The mean age of the participants at baseline was 39.0 (SD: 11.4) years and 79.5% were men. Nearly a quarter (24.4%) were current smokers, slightly more than half (53.5%) were alcohol drinkers, two-thirds (66%) were consuming <5 servings of fruit and vegetables per day, and 23.1% were physically inactive. More than two-thirds (67%) were overweight or obese and 34.5% had central obesity. The mean follow-up was 8.6 months. After adjusting for age, over 12 months, there was a significant increase in the proportion consuming <5 servings of fruit and vegetables per day by 33% (p = 0.030), who were physically inactive by 64% (p < 0.001), and of overweight or obese people by 15% (p = 0.018). The burden of several key NCD risk factors at baseline was high and some worsened within a short period of time in this working population. There is a need for more targeted strategies for behaviour change towards a healthy lifestyle as part of the ongoing health and wellness programs at workplaces in Singapore.

Citation

Sathish, T., Dunleavy, G., Soljak, M., Visvalingam, N., Divakar, U., Thach, T., …Car, J. (2019). Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases at Baseline and Their Short-Term Changes in a Workplace Cohort in Singapore. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(22), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16224551

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 12, 2019
• Publication Date: 2019-11
• Publicly Available Date: May 26, 2023
• Journal: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
• Publisher: MDPI
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 16
• Issue: 22
• Article Number: ARTN 4551
• Pages: 1-11
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16224551
• Keywords: Singapore, chronic disease, cohort study, risk factors, workplace
• Publisher URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/16/22/4551