Non communicable diseases and lifestyle disorders among laboratory personnel in a private tertiary care hospital in Bangalore, South India – a cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Non communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death globally. Laboratory personnel working with so many hazards and difficult time schedule report job strain and stress at work place. They are prone for the development of NCDs. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and profile of NCDs and lifestyle disorders and their associated factors among laboratory personnel in a private tertiary care hospital. Methodology: A cross sectional study was undertaken in a private tertiary care hospital in Bangalore, South India. Data was collected by interview, conducting medical examination and review of medical records. Results: Of the115 laboratory personnel, majority were females, young (≤ 30 years), graduates and were married; worked in Clinical Pathology, involved in sample processing, permanent workers with a median work experience of 6 years. Obesity was the commonest health issue with a prevalence of 19.1%, followed by hypertension, hypothyroidism and alcohol consumption with prevalence of 14.8%, 12.2% and 12.2% respectively. Obesity was the commonest among most of the subgroups. Alcohol consumption and smoking were common among males, Microbiology and housekeeping workers. By univariate logistic regression analysis, workers in 41-50 years age, lesser educated, ever married, housekeeping, permanent and with more experience had significantly more number of health issues. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, workers with more experience had significantly more number of health issues (Adjusted OR: 5.3, 95% CI: 1.2-23.9) as compared to other groups. Conclusion: Findings from our study will provide a base for future interventional studies. Interventions in workplace settings are very cost-effective in preventing NCDs and lifestyle disorders. Healthy workers and healthy workplaces can positively impact even the health of household members of the workers.