Reducing Health Risk Factors in Workplaces of Low and Middle-Income Countries

To reduce risk factors in workplace settings in low- and middle-income countries.

Workplace interventions were utilized as part of the Community Interventions for Health program, a nonrandomized, controlled study undertaken in three communities in China, India, and Mexico. Exactly, 45 industrial, 82 health and 101 school workplace settings with a target population of 15,726. Two independent cross-sectional surveys of workers were conducted at baseline and follow-up, after 18-24 months of intervention activities.

Culturally appropriate interventions to reduce tobacco use, increase physical activity, and improve dietary intake were delivered in the intervention areas.

Exactly, 12,136 adults completed surveys at baseline, and 9,786 at follow-up. In the intervention group, the prevalence of tobacco use reduced significantly in men (-6.0%, p < .001) and the proportion eating five portions of fruit and vegetables daily increased (+6.9%, p < .001) compared with the control group. There were no significant differences between the groups for changes in physical activity or prevalence of overweight.

Workplace interventions improved risk factors in China, India, and Mexico.