Dietary intake, physical activity and risk for chronic diseases of lifestyle among employees at a South African open-cast diamond mine

[摘要] INTRODUCTION: The study investigated dietary intake, physical activity and risk for chronicdiseases 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 healthylifestyle 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 atDB-VM was randomly selected to participate in the study. The sample was stratifiedaccording to work-shift configuration and occupational category. Permanent employees werelimited to subjects with at least six months employment at DB-VM. Temporary employees andcontractors were excluded from the sample.METHODS: Subjects were required to complete a validated self-administered sociodemographic-,meal frequency- and physical activity questionnaire. A validated quantifiedfood frequency questionnaire was administered by the investigator. Anthropometricmeasurements including weight, height and waist circumference were performed by theinvestigator.RESULTS: The study documented a high prevalence of obesity among female (45%) andmale (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 malesand 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 therecommendation of less than 10% of total energy intake. An inadequate fibre intake wasobserved for 87% of males and 55% of female subjects. Folate intakes below the EstimatedAverage Requirement (EAR) were found in 62% male and 82% of female subjects. A 'lowactive 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 'lowactive PAL compared to males and other occupational categories. Work-related barriers to ahealthy lifestyle such as long working hours, work demands, a long commute and workingshifts contributed to skipping of meals and prevention of physical activity participation amongemployees.CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated a high prevalence of overweight and obesity amongemployees 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 theworkplace would appear necessary to decrease the high prevalence of obesity and risk forCDL.RECOMMENDATIONS: Wellness interventions should be introduced at DB-VM to improvethe health and well-being of employees.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University