1
|
Banerjee P, Reddy GB, Panda H, Angadi KK, Reddy T, Gavaravarapu SM. Diets, Lifestyles and Metabolic Risk Factors among Corporate Information Technology (IT) Employees in South India. Nutrients 2023; 15:3404. [PMID: 37571341 PMCID: PMC10421222 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Information Technology (IT) Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), the largest employment sector of India, contributes to rapid economic growth. However, the work of IT employees is sedentary, and the food environments of their worksites expose them to an obesogenic environment. This study aimed to assess their metabolic and lifestyle risk factors. (2) Methods: To examine the health and nutrition status of IT employees, anthropometric, biochemical and clinical assessments were conducted among 183 employees from three IT organizations of varied operational sizes. Their health-, diet- and physical activity-related practices were assessed using a questionnaire. The prevalence of MetS was assessed. Selected biomarker levels were assessed and associated with their self-perceived stress levels. (3) Results: The median age of the employees was 30 years (26-35 years). While 44.02% of employees were overweight, 16.85% of employees were obese. About 3.89% of employees were found to be diabetic, and HDL-C levels were lower than recommended in 64.93% of employees. In all, 29.87% of the study population were considered to have metabolic syndrome since they had metabolic risk scores ≥ 3. Those with metabolic syndrome were significantly older (p = 0.000), and levels of MDA (p = 0.003), homocysteine (p = 0.001), IL-6 (p = 0.017) and IL-4 (p = 0.000) were significantly higher among them. Although the prevalence of MetS was significantly lower among those aged >30 years, the lifestyle risk factors were significantly higher among them. (4) Conclusions: The assessed parameters indicate a high risk of developing NCDs among employees in the IT industry in India. This shows the need for the modification of lifestyle and workplace food and physical activity environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paromita Banerjee
- Nutrition Information, Communication & Health Education (NICHE) Division, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India; (P.B.); (H.P.); (T.R.)
| | - G. Bhanuprakash Reddy
- Biochemistry Division, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India; (G.B.R.); (K.K.A.)
| | - Hrusikesh Panda
- Nutrition Information, Communication & Health Education (NICHE) Division, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India; (P.B.); (H.P.); (T.R.)
| | - Kiran Kumar Angadi
- Biochemistry Division, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India; (G.B.R.); (K.K.A.)
| | - Thirupathi Reddy
- Nutrition Information, Communication & Health Education (NICHE) Division, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India; (P.B.); (H.P.); (T.R.)
| | - SubbaRao M. Gavaravarapu
- Nutrition Information, Communication & Health Education (NICHE) Division, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India; (P.B.); (H.P.); (T.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Baup Y, Vignal B, Bodet G. Sport and physical activity participation in the workplace: the role of employees' self-perception. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WORKPLACE HEALTH MANAGEMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/ijwhm-03-2021-0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeDespite preventive efforts from some companies to offer some sport and physical activity (SPA) to their employees, French participation rates remain very low, which limit impacts in terms of health and economic benefits. The aim of this study was to better understand the factors influencing SPA participation in the workplace.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study was conducted based on an electronic questionnaire survey disseminated to 24 companies based in France that offered SPA to their employees. An independent sample t-test was conducted to explore the differences between the most common facilitating and constraining factors, in relation to “being a sporty person” self-perception, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) level and demographic information. Predictors of SPA in the workplace were determined using a binomial logistic regression.FindingsA total of 1,318 employees completed the survey, of which 60% were women, mostly highly educated and white collar. “Being a sporty person,” self-perception has been a predictor of SPA participation in the workplace.Practical implicationsMore multicomponent work-based interventions, including incidental physical activity, might be necessary to increase participation and overcome time constraint.Originality/valueAlthough SPA participation in the workplace is considered to promote numerous positive organizational and individual consequences, this is the first study to assess the associations between facilitating and constraining factors of SPA participation in the workplace setting and physical self-perception.
Collapse
|
3
|
Banerjee P, Reddy BG, Gavaravarapu SM. Identifying opportunities and barriers for introducing a workplace nutrition and health program for employees: Findings from formative research. Work 2021; 73:1175-1187. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-211017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The work style of employees engaged in the Information Technology (IT) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector in India is dominantly sedentary exposing them to detrimental obesogenic environments with unhealthy diets, increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Workplace health interventions have been reported to have the potential of reducing NCDs and related risk factors among the employees and thus reduce cost of absenteeism and improve productivity. OBJECTIVE: This formative research study aims to explore the opportunities and barriers of the development and implementation of a Workplace Health Programme (WHP). METHODS: In this study, a mixed method including qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with employees and senior managers in employers of IT/BPO companies of different sizes in Hyderabad, India. The food and physical activity environment in the workplaces were explored using a checklist and ground truthing approach. A Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) questionnaire was developed to assess health, nutrition and physical activity of the employees. RESULTS: Through this formative research, the required areas for nutrition, physical activity and health education were identified. The scopes of utilising existing facilities for physical activity and modifying the food environment was explored. We noted optimistic bias among the junior employees who did not consider themselves at risk of developing NCDs. CONCLUSIONS: The identified opportunities and barriers will help in developing strategic WHPs suitable to individual workplaces. The qualitative methods, ground truthing approach, checklist and KAP tools used here can assess the company environment and employee health and nutrition status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paromita Banerjee
- Nutrition Information, Communication & Health Education (NICHE) Division, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Bhanuprakash G. Reddy
- Biochemistry Division, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - SubbaRao M. Gavaravarapu
- Nutrition Information, Communication & Health Education (NICHE) Division, ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sendall MC, Brodie A, McCosker LK, Crane P, Fleming M, Biggs HC, Rowland B. Truckies and the Australian transport industry: Managers' perspectives about enablers and inhibitors to workplace health promotion. Work 2021; 68:161-169. [PMID: 33427717 DOI: 10.3233/wor-203365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is little published research about managers' views about implementing and embedding workplace health promotion interventions. OBJECTIVE To shed light on research-to-practice challenges in implementing workplace health promotion interventions in the Australian road transport industry. METHODS In this Participatory Action Research project, managers from small-to-midsized companies in the Australian road transport industry were asked their views about enablers and barriers to implementing nutrition and physical activity interventions in their workplace. RESULTS Managers identified practical assistance with resources, ideas, and staffing as being key enablers to implementation. Barriers included time restraints, worker age and lack of interest, and workplace issues relating to costs and resources. CONCLUSION Manager perspectives add new insights about successful implementation of workplace health promotion. A Participatory Action Research approach allows managers to develop their own ideas for adapting interventions to suit their workplace. These findings add to a small body of knowledge about managers' views regarding implementing workplace health promotion in small-to-midsized road transport companies - a relatively unexplored group. Managers highlight the importance of time constraints and worker availability when designing interventions for the road transport industry. Managers require a good understanding of the workplaces' socio-cultural context for successful health promotion and health behaviour change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marguerite C Sendall
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Alison Brodie
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Laura K McCosker
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Phil Crane
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Marylou Fleming
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Herbert C Biggs
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.,Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety -Queensland (CARRS-Q), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Bevan Rowland
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.,Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety -Queensland (CARRS-Q), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Guirado T, Metz L, Pereira B, Bergouignan A, Thivel D, Duclos M. Effects of cycling workstation to get tertiary employee moving on their overall health: study protocol for a REMOVE trial. Trials 2021; 22:359. [PMID: 34022938 PMCID: PMC8140559 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05317-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sedentary behaviour (SB) and low levels of physical activity (PA) are predictors of morbidity and mortality. Tertiary employees spend a considerable amount of their daily time seated and new efficient strategies to both reduce sedentary time and increase physical activity are needed. In that context, the REMOVE study aims at evaluating the health effects of a 24-week cycling desk intervention among office workers. METHODS A prospective, open-label, multicentre, two-arm parallel, randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted in office-sitting desk workers. Office workers (N = 80) who have 0.8 full time equivalent hours (FTE) and 75% of this time in a sitting position will be recruited from tertiary worksites in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Subjects will be randomly assigned to one of the two following interventions: (i) PPM6: performance of two 30 min of cycling desk (using portable pedal exercise machine-PPM) per working day for 6 months or (ii) CTL_PPM3: 3 months with no intervention (control) followed by 3 months during which workers will be asked to complete two 30 min of PPM per working day. At baseline (T0), at 3 months (T1) and at 6 months (T2) after the start of the interventions, primary outcomes; 7-day PA and SB (3D-accelerometers), secondary outcomes; body composition (bioelectrical impedance), physical fitness (aerobic fitness, upper and lower limb strength), metabolic outcomes (fasting blood samples), self-perceived stress, anxiety, quality of life at work and job strain (questionnaires), tertiary outcomes; resting metabolic rate and cycling energy expenditure (indirect calorimetry) and eating behaviours (questionnaires) will be measured. An ergonomic approach based on observations and individual interviews will be used to identify parameters that could determine adherence. DISCUSSION The REMOVE study will be the first RCT to assess the effects of cycling workstations on objectively measured PA and SB during working and non-working hours and on key physiological and psychological health outcomes. This study will provide important information regarding the implementation of such cycling workstations in office workers and on the associated potential health benefits. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04153214 . Registered on November 2019, version 1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Terry Guirado
- EA 3533, Laboratory of the Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions (AME2P), UE3533, Clermont Auvergne University, F-63171 63170 Aubiere CEDEX, 80026, Clermont-Ferrand, BP, France.,Auvergne Research Center for Human Nutrition (CRNH), 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Department of Sport Medicine and Functional Explorations, Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, G. Montpied Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,INRA, UMR 1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Lore Metz
- EA 3533, Laboratory of the Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions (AME2P), UE3533, Clermont Auvergne University, F-63171 63170 Aubiere CEDEX, 80026, Clermont-Ferrand, BP, France. .,Auvergne Research Center for Human Nutrition (CRNH), 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Bruno Pereira
- Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, Biostatistics Unit (DRCI), Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Audrey Bergouignan
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000, Strasbourg, France.,Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Anschutz Health & Wellness Center, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - David Thivel
- EA 3533, Laboratory of the Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions (AME2P), UE3533, Clermont Auvergne University, F-63171 63170 Aubiere CEDEX, 80026, Clermont-Ferrand, BP, France.,Auvergne Research Center for Human Nutrition (CRNH), 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Martine Duclos
- Auvergne Research Center for Human Nutrition (CRNH), 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Department of Sport Medicine and Functional Explorations, Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, G. Montpied Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,INRA, UMR 1019, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Biernat E, Krzepota J, Sadowska D. Cycling to work: Business people, encourage more physical activity in your employees! Work 2020; 65:391-399. [PMID: 32007982 DOI: 10.3233/wor-203091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cycling to work has been promoted all over the world. Contemporary employers invest in human capital (create a friendly work environment, care about the quality of life and health of employees). OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the popularity of cycling to work and the motivations and barriers to this activity. METHODS The study used data obtained from the survey Using cycling in everyday transportation conducted at the request of the Ministry of Sport and Tourism. The data were collected by means of computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI). RESULTS A mere 9.9% of Poles commute to work by bike, but they cycle to work on a regular basis (68.6% of respondents do this several times a week for 1 to 6 months). They mostly cycle to improve/maintain health and physical fitness and for reasons concerning environmental protection. According to 49.5% of respondents, the infrastructure at the workplace is insufficient for commuting by bike. A substantial problem is the lack of changing rooms or places to change clothes (44.0%) and no access to showers (22.2%). In the opinions of 66.7%, the promotion of regular commuting to work by bike requires extension of the cycling infrastructure. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate the necessity of employers' investment in the infrastructure and cycling facilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Biernat
- Department of Tourism, Warsaw School of Economics, Collegium of World Economy, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Justyna Krzepota
- Institute of Physical Culture Sciences, Faculty of Health and Physical Education, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Dorota Sadowska
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Sport - National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Promoting Physical Activity and Reducing Sedentary Time Among Tertiary Workers: Position Stand From the French National ONAPS. J Phys Act Health 2019; 16:677-678. [PMID: 31365902 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2019-0154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|