Risk Factors for Non Communicable Diseases among Industrial Workers of Coimbatore, India

Background: Workplace is one of the most important settings affecting the physical, mental, economical and social wellbeing of the workers and thereby, the health of their families, community and society. Recently, there are reports of high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among industrial populations in various parts of India.

Aim: To identify the risk factors of Non communicable diseases among employees of a foundry in Coimbatore.

Setting and Design: Industrial setting, Cross sectional study. Method: A study was undertaken between November 2009 and January 2010 in a foundry of suburban Coimbatore with permanent employee strength of 136 with questionnaire capturing information on age, nature of work, and details on risk factors. Anthropometric measurements and fasting and postprandial blood sugars were done.

Statistical analysis: Was done using SPSS-11.5 version and Chi-square test was used to look for an association between the risk factors and the non communicable diseases.

Results and Conclusions: The study population consisted of 132(97%) males. 35(25.7%) were current tobacco users and 55(40.4%) involved themselves in light physical activity. 21(15.4%) and 35(25.7%) had high Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure respectively; 33(24.3%) had high blood sugars. 54(39.7%) were overweight/obese and 46(33.8%) had their waist circumference above normal. There was a statistically significant association between increased waist circumference and Diabetes status (χ2=6.093, p=0.014). Similarly a person being overweight/ obese was significantly associated with he being diabetic (χ2=5.812, p=0.016). The results could help to motivate industries to initiate lifestyle modifications and health promotion programs for the prevention and control of non communicable diseases among their workers.