Browsing by Author "Hess, Alicia Renata"

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    Risks of lifestyle-related chronic disease : an investigation of a private insurance company in South Africa
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-03) Hess, Alicia Renata; Koen, Nelene; Iversen, Per Ole; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Global Health. Human Nutrition.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: Introduction: Non-communicable diseases(NCDs) are increasing. The workplace provides an ideal environment to tackle this concern by implementing wellness programmes. These programmes can assist employers to reduce health risks of NCDs and its possible effect on productivity. In South Africa a scarcity of data exists to formulate intervention programmes that benefits the health of the workforce. The dietetic profession with its skill sets may also play an important role in assisting with the reduction of NCDs, especially in the workplace. Aim: To identify the possible health risks for NCDs within a private insurance company and determine whether these health risks could influence productivity. Furthermore, to assess the view of the participants on the role of the dietetic profession in the prevention of NCDs. Design: An observational, cross sectional descriptive study with an analytical component. Methodology: Validated survey tool was distributed to N=590 participants via web survey link, SurveyMonkey® to collect quantitative data. Data analysis of n=99 completed responses was used which implied a response rate of 16.8%. Qualitative data of opened-ended questions were also included. An overall Health and Wellbeing(HWB) score was calculated by adding and then averaging all ten sub-index scores, giving equal weight to each of the ten areas. A partial waiver of consent was used. Census was done. The survey was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Participants: Private insurance company in South Africa which included both males and females aged 18 to 65 years. All who had access to the Internet were invited to participate voluntarily. Results: Modifiable risks factors identified were obesity(n=40;43%); physical inactivity(n=72;73%); and low fibre, fruit and vegetable intake. Males 76%(n=18) were overweight or obese and 46%(n=31) of females were obese and 25%(n=17) overweight. Fifty-two percent(52%) consumed 2 to 3 portions of fibre/day, (51%) 1 to 2 vegetables portions/day and 44% occasionally consumed fruit/day. Most (n=73;74%) did not smoke and (59%) did not drink alcohol. There was positive correlation(r=0.23) between body mass index(BMI) and relative absenteeism and negative correlation(r=-0.23) between physical activity. Most(n=99;89%) agreed that dieticians could play a role in the prevention of NCDs. A lower quartile HWB score of 52.1 was utilised as cut-off to define poor health status. The overall HWB score was 47.1(n=99) which showed poor health status of both sexes and total employees. Conclusion: The findings perpetuate the increasing concern of developing NCDs. It was also shown that productivity can be impacted by risk factors such as obesity and physical inactivity. Therefore, the employers of the private insurance company can use the baseline information to formulate intervention programmes. Policies can be established to encourage healthier food choices and physical activities to decrease the risk for NCDs within the company. The dietetic profession is also given the opportunity to play an even greater role in improving and preventing NCDs in the workplace. This study has also added to the volume of data which can be built upon in future studies.