Active commuting and cardiovascular risk among health care workers.

Background Although the benefit of physical activity on cardiovascular health has been well demonstrated, being physically active can be difficult for healthcare workers. Active commuting such as walking or cycling may be a good way to promote physical activity. Aims To investigate the relationship between active commuting and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in healthcare workers. Methods A cross-sectional study of healthcare workers conducted in Chiang Mai University Hospital, Thailand. Information on demographics and lifestyle, including active commuting, was obtained from questionnaires. Results were analysed with multiple logistic regression, adjusting for other physical activity and possible confounders. Results Among 3204 participants fewer than half engaged in active commuting. After adjustment for possible confounders, low active commuting was associated with increased risk of hypertension (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1-1.7). High active commuting was associated with central obesity (aOR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.0-1.8). Compared to non-active commuters, younger active commuters (aged under 40) had reduced prevalence of hypertension (aOR 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2-1.0), while older active commuters (aged 40 or over) demonstrated increased hypertension (aOR 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1-2.3) and central obesity (aOR 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1-2.1). Conclusions We found conflicting evidence on the relationship between active commuting and cardiovascular risk factors. Reverse causation may explain the association between active commuting and hypertension and central obesity and should be investigated further. </p

Active commuting and cardiovascular risk among health care workers.

Background Although the benefit of physical activity on cardiovascular health has been well demonstrated, being physically active can be difficult for healthcare workers. Active commuting such as walking or cycling may be a good way to promote physical activity. Aims To investigate the relationship between active commuting and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in healthcare workers. Methods A cross-sectional study of healthcare workers conducted in Chiang Mai University Hospital, Thailand. Information on demographics and lifestyle, including active commuting, was obtained from questionnaires. Results were analysed with multiple logistic regression, adjusting for other physical activity and possible confounders. Results Among 3204 participants fewer than half engaged in active commuting. After adjustment for possible confounders, low active commuting was associated with increased risk of hypertension (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1-1.7). High active commuting was associated with central obesity (aOR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.0-1.8). Compared to non-active commuters, younger active commuters (aged under 40) had reduced prevalence of hypertension (aOR 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2-1.0), while older active commuters (aged 40 or over) demonstrated increased hypertension (aOR 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1-2.3) and central obesity (aOR 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1-2.1). Conclusions We found conflicting evidence on the relationship between active commuting and cardiovascular risk factors. Reverse causation may explain the association between active commuting and hypertension and central obesity and should be investigated further. </p

Chiang Mai University Health Worker Study aiming toward a better understanding of noncommunicable disease development in Thailand: methods and description of study population

Chaisiri Angkurawaranon,1,2&nbsp;Anawat Wisetborisut,2&nbsp;Wichuda Jiraporncharoen,2&nbsp;Surinporn Likhitsathian,3&nbsp;Ronnaphob Uaphanthasath,2&nbsp;Patama Gomutbutra,2&nbsp;Surin Jiraniramai,2&nbsp;Chawin Lerssrimonkol,2 Apinun Aramrattanna,2 Pat Doyle,1&nbsp;Dorothea Nitsch1 1Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK; 2Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; 3Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand Background: Urbanization is considered to be one of the key drivers of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in Thailand and other developing countries. These influences, in turn, may affect an individual&#39;s behavior and risk of developing NCDs. The Chiang Mai University (CMU) Health Worker Study aims to provide evidence for a better understanding of the development of NCDs and ultimately to apply the evidence toward better prevention, risk modification, and improvement of clinical care for patients with NCDs and NCD-related conditions. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of health care workers from CMU Hospital was conducted between January 2013 and June 2013. Questionnaires, interviews, and physical and laboratory examinations were used to assess urban exposure, occupational shift work, risk factors for NCDs, self-reported NCDs, and other NCD-related health conditions. Results: From 5,364 eligible workers, 3,204 participated (59.7%). About 11.1% of the participants had high blood pressure (systolic blood pressure &ge;140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure &ge;90 mmHg) and almost 30% were considered to be obese (body mass index &ge;25 kg/m2). A total of 2.3% had a high fasting blood glucose level (&ge;126 mg/dL), and the most common abnormal lipid profile was high low-density lipoprotein (&ge;160 mg/dL), which was found in 19.2% of participants. Discussion: The study of health workers offers three potential advantages. The first is that the study of migrants was possible. Socioenvironmental influence on NCD risk factors can be explored, as changes in environmental exposures can be documented. Second, it allows the investigators to control for access to care. Access to care is potentially a key confounder toward understanding the development of NCDs. Lastly, a study of health personnel allows easy access to laboratory investigations and potential for long-term follow-up. This enables ascertainment of a number of clinical outcomes and provides potential for future studies focusing on therapeutic and prognostic issues related to NCDs. Keywords: urbanization, noncommunicable disease, risk factors, Thailan