Behavioral Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Disease among Factory Employees in Faridabad; Haryana

Abstract

Introduction: In developing countries like India, in addition to the infectious diseases, noncommunicable
diseases are emerging as signifi cant causes of morbidity and mortality. Workplaces
present a setting which is appropriate for intervention for adults in a community. The aim of this study
is to assess the knowledge, attitude and prevalence of selected risk factors for non-communicable
diseases.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among the regular employees of the factories.
Smoking, alcohol consumption, dietary intake and physical activity were measured through interview
schedules and height, weight and blood pressure were also measured by standard instrument. An
awareness generation program was pre-tested.
Results: A total of 545 employees were interviewed. Among them 307 (56.3%) and 238 (43.7%)
were manual and non-manual workers respectively. Most of the employees knew [smoking as
a risk factor for hypertension (55.2%), heart attack (61.1%) and cancer (78.7%); Alcohol as a risk
factor for hypertension (72.1%), heart attack (73.9%), cancer ( 54.9%); Physical inactivity as a risk
factor for hypertension (82.6%), heart attack (78.5%), diabetes (60.4%) and high fat diet as a risk
factor for hypertension (67.2%), heart attack (64.8%)] that these risk factors lead to different noncommunicable
diseases. The prevalence (95% CI) of the risk factors is as follows: male current
smoker [40.7% (36.4-45.3)], current alcohol consumption [31.0 % (27.2 – 35.1)], sedentary activity
[41.2% (37.0 – 45.5)], high fat intake [93.7% (90.2 - 95.5)], over weight [26.9% (23.2 – 30.9)] ; and
hypertension [21.0% (17.62 - 24.6)]
Conclusions: This study showed that the risk factors for non-communicable diseases are prevalent
in factory employees. Implementation of the risk factors control programme is desirable and there is
an interest among employees and management.
Key Words: alcohol consumption, diet, over weight, physical activity, risk factor, smoking