Community interventions for health (CIH) reduce risk factors for non-communicable disease in the workplace

Background: Population-based strategies are recommended to reduce risk factors associated with non-communicable disease (NCD). Workplaces can be used as settings to reduce risk of NCD in low and middle-income countries (LMIC) by targeting tobacco use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity.

Methods: Workplace interventions were utilised as part of the Community Interventions for Health programme, a non-randomised, controlled study undertaken in three communities in China, India and Mexico. Culturally appropriate interventions to reduce tobacco use, increase physical activity and improve dietary intake within workplace settings were delivered in the intervention areas. Two independent cross-sectional surveys of workers were conducted at baseline and follow-up, after 18-24 months of intervention activities.

Results: 12,042 adults completed surveys at baseline, and 9,758 at follow-up. There were significant reductions in risk factors in the intervention group (I) compared to control (C). Tobacco use decreased significantly in I from 16.7% to 13.7% (p=0.02) with no change in C (p=0.345). The proportion of people meeting physical activity recommendations increased significantly both I and C, but more so in I from 30.8% to 40.9%. The proportion eating five or more portions of fruit and vegetables daily increased in I from 15.8% to 22.7% (p<0.001), with no change in C (p=0.126). The proportion adding salt to food increased in C from 33.2% to 44.2% but this was less marked in I - 36.4% to 41.1%. Prevalence of obesity showed no significant change in either I or C.

Conclusions: Workplace interventions reduced risk factors for NCD in China, India and Mexico.