Schouw DD, Mash R. Cost and consequence analysis of the Healthy Choices at Work programme to prevent non-communicable diseases in a commercial power plant, South Africa.
Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med 2020;
12:e1-e8. [PMID:
32634016 PMCID:
PMC7343951 DOI:
10.4102/phcfm.v12i1.2217]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The workplace is an ideal setting for the implementation of a health promotion programmes to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCD). There are limited resources assigned to workplace health promotion programmes in low-and middle-income countries (LMIC).
AIM
This study aimed to conduct a cost and consequence analysis of the Healthy Choices at Work programme.
SETTING
This study was conducted at a commercial power plant in South Africa.
METHODS
Incremental costs were obtained for the activities of the Healthy Choices at Work programme over a two-year period. A total of 156 employees were evaluated in the intervention, although the effect was experienced by all employees. An annual health risk factor assessment at baseline and follow up evaluated the consequences of the programme.
RESULTS
The total incremental costs over the two-year period accumulated to $4015 for 1743 employees. The cost per employee on an annual basis was $1.15 and was associated with a -10.2mmHg decrease in systolic blood pressure, -3.87mmHg in diastolic blood pressure, -0.45mmol/l in total cholesterol and significant improvement in harmful alcohol use, fruit and vegetable intake and physical inactivity (p 0.001). There was no correlation between sickness absenteeism and risk factors for NCDs.
CONCLUSION
The cost to implement the multicomponent HCW programme was low with significant beneficial consequences in transforming the workplace environment and reducing risks factors for NCDs. Findings of this study will be useful for small, medium and large organisations, the national department of health, and similar settings in LMICs.
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