Healthy lifestyle commitment and the workаbility index of industrial employees in the Sverdlovsk Region

Abstract

Introduction. The gain in the morbidity rate and medical costs associated with the work environment and lifestyle stimulates employers to search for effective preventive measures to preserve health and longevity of workers. The study aimed to assess commitment to a healthy lifestyle (HLS) and the work ability index of employees of an industrial enterprise and to determine directions for developing effective corporate health promotion programs. Material and methods. We conducted a questionnaire-based survey of 1188 employees of a large copper smelter to assess their workability and healthy lifestyle commitment. Results. Two-thirds of the employees rated their quality of life as good; the same proportion of workers was satisfied with the psychological climate and working conditions. More than half of employees were overweight and 64.3 % of them did not adhere to a diet in an attempt to lose weight; only 34.4 % of the workers reported having regular meals in the works canteen; 51.6 % did not engage in physical training and sports, and the share of smokers in the main production workshops was 49.1 %. The average workability at the enterprise was assessed as suitable. We established an inverse relationship between chronic diseases and the workability index. A positive rating of the quality of life and working conditions correlated with satisfaction with the working conditions, the profession chosen, the quality of personal protective equipment, and the psychological climate at work. Discussion. Having a disease significantly affects the workability index, while every tenth worker has a discrepancy between the general health status and job requirements. The employees appreciate their health but fail to change their health-related behaviour, putting other life values above health and undermining it. Conclusion. Creating comfortable working conditions and motivation for a healthy lifestyle should be differentiated and aimed primarily at workers having a high risk of developing a disease and low motivation and specific behavioural patterns, depending on the initial data obtained. It is necessary to use adapted questionnaires and modern preventive, diagnostic techniques.