Reducing Health Risk Factors in Workplaces of Low and Middle-Income Countries

Objective: To reduce risk factors in workplace settings in low- and middle-income countries. Design and Sample: Workplace interventions were utilized as part of the Community Interventions for Health program, a nonrandomized, controlled study undertaken in three communities in China, India, and Mexico. Exactly, 45 industrial, 82 health and 101 school workplace settings with a target population of 15,726. Two independent cross-sectional surveys of workers were conducted at baseline and follow-up, after 18-24 months of intervention activities. Measures: Culturally appropriate interventions to reduce tobacco use, increase physical activity, and improve dietary intake were delivered in the intervention areas. Results: Exactly, 12,136 adults completed surveys at baseline, and 9,786 at follow-up. In the intervention group, the prevalence of tobacco use reduced significantly in men (-6.0%, p <.001) and the proportion eating five portions of fruit and vegetables daily increased (+6.9%, p <.001) compared with the control group. There were no significant differences between the groups for changes in physical activity or prevalence of overweight. Conclusions: Workplace interventions improved risk factors in China, India, and Mexico.