ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a 3-year workplace-based intervention program on the control of the main noncommunicable disease risk factors (poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and tobacco use) among the employees of Sousse, Tunisia. METHODS: We conducted a quasi-experimental study (pre- and postassessments with intervention and control groups) in six companies of the governorate of Sousse in Tunisia.The intervention program consisted of health education programs (eg, workshops, films and open sensitization days). We also scheduled free physical activity sessions and free smoking cessation consultations. RESULTS: Our intervention program showed meaningful improvement among the employees toward dietary and physical activity behaviors but not for tobacco use. CONCLUSIONS: Workplace is a crucial setting for health promotion, and future programs should consider a multisectoral approach to control the main noncommunicable disease risk factors.
Subject(s)
Health Promotion/methods , Nutrition Disorders/prevention & control , Occupational Health , Sedentary Behavior , Tobacco Use Disorder/prevention & control , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Nutrition Disorders/epidemiology , Risk Factors , Surveys and Questionnaires , Tobacco Use Disorder/epidemiology , Treatment Outcome , Tunisia/epidemiologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Smoking is a public health problem because of its high prevalence and its serious consequences at all levels. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of smoking among workers in a private company and describe the characteristics of smokers to guide prevention efforts. METHODS: It is a cross-sectional study conducted in 2010 among all employees of a private company. Data collection was done by a questionnaire administered by interview. RESULTS: The participation rate was 90.4%. All smokers were men, with a prevalence of active smoking among men of 57.9%. The mean age of smokers was 33.2 ± 8 years, significantly lower than nonsmokers. The comparison between smokers and nonsmokers according to occupational category showed a statistically significant difference. Among smokers, 43.6% were in the contemplation stage and 46.3% at the stage of preparation for smoking cessation. CONCLUSION: An intervention for prevention and fight against smoking in the workplace should be established for the promotion of employee health.
