High Prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases Risk Factors in 36 074 South African Financial Sector Employees: A Cross Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors, total NCD risk category and 10-year risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in financial sector employees. METHODS This descriptive observational cross-sectional analysis, data from 36 074 employees was analysed. NCD risk factor data was obtained from health risk assessments that included a questionnaire and clinical measures. The 10-year risk for CVD was calculated using the Framingham non-laboratory based equation. RESULTS Inadequate fruit and vegetable intake (89.3%), insufficient physical activity (77.4%) and being overweight (66.8%) were the most prevalent risk factors. Females had significantly higher prevalence ratios for central obesity (2.28; p < 0.001), insufficient physical activity (1.21; p < 0.001), hypercholesterolaemia (1.15; p < 0.001) and overweight (1.08; p < 0.001) compared to males. CONCLUSION A more concerted effort is required to provide employees with appropriate tools and education at the workplace to decrease and manage NCDs.