Abstract

Objective: The efficacy of using non invasive method of WHO’s STEP approach as compared to traditional biochemical assessment to identify “at risk” subjects (having constellation of ≥3 risk factors) was determined in productive industrial population.
Materials and Methods: Information on the presence of metabolic risk factors in the employee’s was collected from the existing medical records and subjects with ≥3 risk factors by using NCEP ATP III definition of Metabolic Syndrome were identified. The behavioral and physical measurements of the identified metabolic syndrome subjects was done using pre tested and adapted WHO STEPS Questionnaire.
Results: Out of 1059 employees, 251 employees (23.5%) were identified at risk through medical records. The most common (37.85%) combination prevalent was hypertension, obesity with dyslipidemia. The leading risk factors in them were overweight and obesity (89.54%), followed by low intake of fruits and vegetables (79.74%), high waist circumference (73.20%) and Physical inactivity (52.29%). The prevalence of hypertension was 46.41 % and pre hypertension was 57.52%. Tobacco usage in any form and alcohol consumption was 33.33% and 25.49% respectively. Conclusion: By non invasive STEPS methodology, 87.58% of the metabolic syndrome subjects were identified “at risk subjects”. Thus, it can be inferred that in place of routine biochemical assessment of the entire population, WHO STEPS methodology could be used for the identification of “at risk” subjects. This measure will also reduce the biochemical assessment costs. STEPS approach could thus be recommended to industries as an occupational safety measure to identify at risk subjects for diet related non communicable diseases.