Clustering of lifestyle risk factors in employees: A quasi-experimental study in Sousse, Tunisia

Abstract

Background:

An increased understanding of the prevalence and clustering patterns of multiple lifestyle-related health factors may support efforts to reduce incidence of disease, management of existing chronic disease, and improve overall health outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of three years based intervention in the workplace on clustering of non communicable diseases’ risk factors.

Methods:

We based our study on a quasi-experimental intervention study (pre and post assessments with intervention and control groups) in two districts in the governorate of Sousse. The evaluation before and after the intervention focused on attitudes and behaviors of participants. The intervention program team conducted several actions for the employees at workplace days focusing on free physical activity sessions and free smoking cessation consultations.

Results:

Participants who had no risk factor increased significantly from 5.9% to 10.3% (p<0.001) in intervention group but not significantly in control group. Those who had only one risk factor increased in intervention group but decreased in control group.

Conclusion:

Intervening on two or more risk behavior simultaneously might be more effective than intervening on them separately.