Heart disease prevention project: a randomised controlled trial in industry

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
• Public Health Interventions

Background:

• Coronary heart disease (CHD) poses a significant public health challenge.
• Identifying effective strategies for risk factor reduction in occupational settings is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a 5-6 year intervention program aimed at reducing major coronary risk factors in middle-aged male workers.
• To assess the impact of medical examinations and lifestyle advice on cardiovascular health within an occupational cohort.

Main Methods:

• Matched-pair design involving 24 factories and 18,210 men (aged 40-59).
• Intervention group received advice on diet, smoking cessation, exercise, weight management, and hypertension treatment.
• Risk factor changes assessed via standardized examinations of random samples; personal consultations focused on high-risk individuals.

Main Results:

• Small but statistically significant reductions in risk factors were observed, primarily in the high-risk subgroup.
• General health information dissemination was effective, but habit changes necessitated personal contact.
• Observed risk factor reductions were not sustained after the intervention pressure was removed.

Conclusions:

• Occupational health programs can achieve limited, short-term reductions in coronary risk factors.
• Sustained behavioral change requires personalized engagement, particularly for high-risk individuals.
• Long-term maintenance of reduced risk factors necessitates ongoing support and intervention strategies.