Authors (including presenting author) :
Cheung KY(1), Tsui KL(2), Cho HY(2), Lo BY(2), Li CY(2), Kan WY(2), Chan TM(1), Tsang NC(1), Man CP(1), Chung WK(1), Wan SY(1), Ng KW(1), Kwong SF(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Physiotherapy Department and (2)Department of Medicine, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
Introduction :
Introduction:
Central obesity is one of the greatest global public health problems. The Department of Health Population Health Survey in 2014/15 found 40.1% of people aged 15-84 had central obesity as defined by waist-hip ratio (WHR), and the prevalence increases with age. There are limited epidemiological data on whether this health problem exists similarly among medical staff. Healthcare professionals should understand the importance of and be self-conscious about health risk factor control. Yet, studies showed shift work and great work stress were associated with unhealthy dietary habits, low physical activities, sleep deprivation and disturbance of the circadian rhythm, which potentially contributed to central obesity (Beata et al., 2015 & Kervezee et al., 2018).
Objectives :
(1)To estimate the prevalence of central obesity among medical staff
(2)To screen for the cardiovascular risk among staff
Methodology :
Department of Medicine and Physiotherapy Department co-organised a 3-day programme “Winter Surge Health Week” in February 2018 to analyse the body composition of medical staff and promote staff wellness. WHR, Visceral fat, Percentage body fat (PBF) were measured by multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis using Inbody® machines. The results were analyzed in 4 age groups (age <30, 31-40, 41-55 and >55). WHR >0.9cm in men or >0.8cm in women was considered as central obesity (WHO, 2011).
Result & Outcome :
184 staff aged between 22 and 60 participated in the programme. 25% of staff had WHR above normal range, with greater proportion in age groups 41-55 years (n=19, 40%) and > 55 years (n=6, 35%). The overall prevalence of central obesity and the high prevalence in older age groups were similar as compared to general population. Similar trends were also shown in visceral fat and PBF. Conclusion:
Medical staff were exposed to similar risk of central obesity as for general population, and the risk similarly increased with age. This implies increased risk of cardio-metabolic disease. Therefore, raising staff awareness and maintaining healthy workplace are highly recommended. This prompted the development of a pilot tailor-made exercise programme for our medical staff, to enhance staff health and wellness.
Co-location with:
