Non-communicable diseases (NCDâs) accounted for nearly two-thirds of global deaths in 2008. The aim of this literature review is to examine current evidence for the role of worksite health promotion programsâ role in the prevention of NCDâs. The prevalence of risk factors for NCDâs among employees and the clustering of risk behaviors among employees will be discussed. In addition, the role of health risk appraisals as an entry for worksite health promotion programs is discussed. Furthermore, non-communicable diseases have a negative impact on the global economy and have been identified as one of the major threats to economic development by the World Economic Forum. The reduction in economic growth is estimated at 0.5% for every 10% increase in NCD-related mortality. Worksites and companies are directly affected by NCDâs due to reduced employee productivity,
increased absenteeism and increased likelihood of disability. The loss in national income due to NCDâs is substantial. The projected loss in income from 2005 to 2015 in countries with emerging economies similar to South Africa, range from 49.2 billion international dollars in Brazil to 236.6 billion international dollars in India. Worksite health promotion programs have the potential to play a role in reducing the prevalence of NCDâs and their risk factors and both health and economic benefits.
Last date updated on March, 2024