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[Risk factors for non communicable chronic diseases among workers of a financial company]

María del Pilar Fagalde1, José Antonio del Solar, Marcia Guerrero

  • 1Unidad Asistencia Nutricional Intensiva, Hospital DIPRECA.

Revista Medica De Chile
|September 16, 2005
PubMed

Insights

A study of 2,225 Chilean financial workers found a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors, including obesity, overweight, and sedentary lifestyles. These risks were concentrated in older men and those with lower education, highlighting the need for targeted health promotion.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular disease epidemiology
  • Occupational health
  • Public health interventions

Context:

  • Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) pose a significant public health challenge in Chile.
  • The financial sector workforce in Metropolitan Santiago represents a key demographic for health assessment.
  • Understanding risk factor prevalence is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies.

Purpose:

  • To evaluate the prevalence of risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among employees of a financial company in Metropolitan Santiago.
  • To identify demographic and lifestyle factors associated with increased NCD risk.
  • To inform health promotion and prevention initiatives within the corporate setting.

Summary:

  • A cross-sectional study assessed 2,225 workers (1,383 males, 842 females) using questionnaires and physical measurements.
  • Prevalence rates included: 16% obesity, 49% overweight, 57% hypercholesterolemia, 28% hypertension, 4% diabetes, 4% hyperuricemia, 45% smoking, and 83% sedentary.
  • Workers averaged 2.4 risk factors, with higher burdens observed in men, obese individuals, those over 40, and individuals with lower education.

Impact:

  • The findings reveal a substantial burden of NCD risk factors within this employed population.
  • Obesity and older age were significantly associated with a higher number of risk factors.
  • Results underscore the critical need for promoting healthy lifestyles and targeted interventions in the workplace to mitigate cardiovascular disease risk.
Abstract

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