Dietary intake, physical activity and risk for chronic diseases of lifestyle among employees at a South African open-cast diamond mine
Date
2006-03
Authors
Stadler, Karen
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The study investigated dietary intake, physical activity and risk for chronic
diseases of lifestyle (CDL) among employees at a South African open-cast diamond mine.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the habits and barriers to a healthy
lifestyle in order to determine the need for workplace interventions at De Beers Venetia Mine
(DB-VM) to decrease the risk for CDL and optimise employee wellness.
DESIGN: An analytical, cross-sectional, observational study.
SAMPLING: A representative proportional stratified sample of 88 permanent employees at
DB-VM was randomly selected to participate in the study. The sample was stratified
according to work-shift configuration and occupational category. Permanent employees were
limited to subjects with at least six months employment at DB-VM. Temporary employees and
contractors were excluded from the sample.
METHODS: Subjects were required to complete a validated self-administered sociodemographic-,
meal frequency- and physical activity questionnaire. A validated quantified
food frequency questionnaire was administered by the investigator. Anthropometric
measurements including weight, height and waist circumference were performed by the
investigator.
RESULTS: The study documented a high prevalence of obesity among female (45%) and
male (32%) employees. A total energy intake above the Estimated Energy Requirement
(EER) was found in 38% of males and 64% of female subjects. Fourty eight percent of males
and 64% of female subjects exceeded the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Rate
(AMDR) for total fat intake, while the mean saturated fatty acid (SFA) intake was above the
recommendation of less than 10% of total energy intake. An inadequate fibre intake was
observed for 87% of males and 55% of female subjects. Folate intakes below the Estimated
Average Requirement (EAR) were found in 62% male and 82% of female subjects. A “low
active” physical activity level (PAL) was found in 91% of females and 67% of professionals.
Significantly more females (p=0.01) and professionals (p=0.00005) demonstrated a “low
active” PAL compared to males and other occupational categories. Work-related barriers to a
healthy lifestyle such as long working hours, work demands, a long commute and working
shifts contributed to skipping of meals and prevention of physical activity participation among
employees.
CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among
employees characterised by high fat and inadequate fibre intakes, increasing the risk for CDL.
Work-related barriers contributed to an unhealthy lifestyle and specific interventions at the
workplace would appear necessary to decrease the high prevalence of obesity and risk for
CDL.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Wellness interventions should be introduced at DB-VM to improve
the health and well-being of employees.
Description
Thesis (MNutr (Human Nutrition))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006.
Keywords
Dissertations -- Nutrition, Theses -- Nutrition, Occupational diseases -- South Africa, Mineral industries -- Employees -- Diseases -- South Africa, Mineral industries -- Employees -- Workload -- South Africa, Chronic diseases of lifestyle (CDL)