Screening for non-communicable diseases among transport employees of a university: A descriptive analysis

Introduction: In most parts of the world today, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are on the rise. Worldwide they are currently responsible for almost half (42%) of the premature deaths which occurs before the age of 70. Due to sedentary lifestyle, workers of transportation department may be at a higher risk for development of obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycaemia. Objective: To screen all the transport employees of a university for non-communicable diseases. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among all transport employees to screen for hypertension, Type II diabetes, obesity and visual impairment. Data was collected by personal interviews using a pre designed questionnaire. Anthropometry, blood pressure recording, fasting blood glucose testing, vision assessment followed by electrocardiogram recording was done for all subjects. Results: Out of 90 participants, 10(11.1%) had diabetes, 26(28.9%) were hypertensive, 36(40.0%) were overweight and obese, three individuals had myopia and abnormal colour vision, whereas 17(18.9%) had impaired near vision. The screen positives were referred to tertiary care hospital for further management. Over half of the subjects reported alcohol use while 21(23.4%) were using tobacco. Only 43(47.8%) used seat belts while driving. Conclusion: Proportion of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes was found to be more among the transport employees. This demands an urgent need for appropriate preventive and health promotive interventions to address these chronic diseases.