Cardiovascular risk stratification by means of the SCORE system in health care workers in Veracruz, Mexico

2017

S Afr Med J

Background. Obesity has been cited as a public health problem in both developing and developed countries. There is evidence that rates of obesity have increased among healthcare workers (HCWs) in South Africa (SA), especially those who do night shifts, with a negative effect on health. Perceptions of body weight contribute significantly to the desire to lose weight or not to do so. Objective. To determine perceptions of HCWs regarding their own body weight in selected public hospitals in Mpumalanga Province, SA. Methods. The study design was a cross-sectional survey. A total of 210 HCWs were sampled. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements such as weight and height were objectively measured and body mass indices (BMIs) were calculated. Results. Of the sample of HCWs 82.4% were females, with a mean age of 37.8 years. About half (51.9%) were obese and 21.4% were overweight. They tended to misperceive their body weight compared with actual BMI classification, with the majority of obese and overweight individuals considering themselves to be of normal weight. Conclusions.The results indicate that HCWs misclassify their own body weight, which is a risk factor for obesity. It is important to focus on the health of this group of workers, on whom the health of South Africans depends and who should be the drivers of healthy living for all. Correct classification of their own body weight will encourage people to take action in a bid to combat their own and others' obesity.

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 60%

Perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding their own body weight in selected public hospitals in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

Phetla

2017

S Afr Med J

“…In a similar study carried out among HCW in Mexico, the prevalence of obesity was also reported to be as high as about 75%. 4 In the USA the prevalence of obesity amongst HCW has increased over time. 13 The obesity rates found among the HCW in our study were even higher than those recently reported (61%) in a survey carried out by the international pharmaceutical company, GlaxoSmithKline.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These results are very similar to the prevalence of hypertension and type 2 diabetes amongst HCW in Mexico. 4 Hence, health promotion and prevention programmes are required to target HCW specifically.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…4 According to the World Health Organization (WHO), overweight is one of 10 leading risk factors for high mortality in developing and developed countries. 5 Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally: at least 300 million people are clinically obese.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…11,12 A study carried out in Mexico revealed that female HCW had a 52% prevalence of obesity and a 26% prevalence of being overweight, compared to male HCW, who had a 23% prevalence of obesity and 63% prevalence of overweight. 4 A study carried out in the USA between 1982 and 2004, on the health status and obesity prevalence of HCW aged 20-64, revealed that the prevalence of obesity has increased, while the self-reported health status of HCW has decreased over time. 13 However, no similar study has yet been conducted among HCW in South Africa.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Obesity and health problems among South African healthcare workers: do healthcare workers take care of themselves?

South African Family Practice

Pengpid

2011

Background: Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally. In South Africa, 56% of white men, 49% of black men and 75% of black women have been reported to be overweight or obese. The focus of this study is on South African healthcare workers (HCW), because they are considered role models for health for patients and their communities. Objectives:The objective was to determine the prevalence of obesity and obesity-related health problems among HCW and to compare these variables between medical and nonmedical staff at one selected public hospital in South Africa.Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to 200 respondents from a balanced pool of randomly selected HCW (100 medical staff and 100 nonmedical staff). Self-reported body mass index (BMI), obesity-related health problems and perceptions about body weight were assessed.Results: Seventy-three per cent of the HCW were overweight or obese, and half of them had never tried to lose weight. Females and older HCW were more obese than men and younger counterparts. There was no difference in BMI distribution between medical and nonmedical staff. About one-third of HCW reported that they suffered from obesity-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs; hypertension 20% and diabetes 10%) and stress (32.5%). The majority of HCW had an inaccurate perception of their own weight.Conclusion: South African HCW have a high prevalence of obesity-related NCDs. A health promotion programme targeting HCW is urgently needed to encourage weight control, urge the prevention of obesity-related NCDs and change selfperceptions of body weight, in order to improve their own health and make them better role models for the general public.Peer reviewed.

The predictive validity and effects of using the transtheoretical model to increase the physical activity of healthcare workers in a public hospital in South Africa

Behav. Med. Pract. Policy Res.

Pengpid

2012

There have been studies conducted on the effectiveness of the transtheoretical model (TTM) in improving the level of physical activity at worksites worldwide, but no such studies have been conducted in South Africa. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive validity and effects of using the Transtheoretical Model to increase the physical activity of healthcare workers in a public hospital in South Africa. A quasi-experimental design in the form of a single-group, pretest–posttest model was used to examine the possible relationship between an exposure to interventions, attitude, knowledge, and an increased level of physical activity. Two hundred hospital staff members (medical and nonmedical staff) were randomly selected for participation in the study. The following variables were measured: TTM stages of physical activity, knowledge and attitudes, fitness level, body mass index, and level of exposure to the intervention. The interventions designed were based on the concept of progressing stages of physical activity in TTM stage sequences: (1) pamphlets about physical activity and health, (2) posters, fun runs, and sports day, and (3) a second set of posters, a daily radio program, and aerobic classes. Post-intervention, participants had significantly increased their stages of physical activity, attitudes, and knowledge compared with their pre-tests. Mean scores of TTM (3.70) and knowledge (3.65) were significantly (p < 0.05) greater at post-test. Overall accuracies of TTM at pre-test correctly predicted TTM at post-test by an average of 66.9%. The use of TTM to identify the stage of physical activity of healthcare workers has enabled the researcher to design intervention programs specific to the stage of exercise behavior of hospital staff. The predictors (TTM1), exposure levels, knowledge, attitudes, and processes of change have significant contributions to the outcome (TTM2).