Browsing by Author "Schouw, Darcelle D."

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Cost and consequence analysis of the healthy choices at work programme to prevent non-communicable diseases in a commercial power plant, South Africa
    (AOSIS, 2020) Schouw, Darcelle D.; Mash, Bob
    Background: The workplace is an ideal setting for the implementation of a health promotion programmes to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCD). There are limited resources assigned to workplace health promotion programmes in low-and middle-income countries (LMIC). Aim: This study aimed to conduct a cost and consequence analysis of the Healthy Choices at Work programme. Setting: This study was conducted at a commercial power plant in South Africa. Methods: Incremental costs were obtained for the activities of the Healthy Choices at Work programme over a two-year period. A total of 156 employees were evaluated in the intervention, although the effect was experienced by all employees. An annual health risk factor assessment at baseline and follow up evaluated the consequences of the programme. Results: The total incremental costs over the two-year period accumulated to $4015 for 1743 employees. The cost per employee on an annual basis was $1.15 and was associated with a −10.2mmHg decrease in systolic blood pressure, −3.87mmHg in diastolic blood pressure, −0.45mmol/l in total cholesterol and significant improvement in harmful alcohol use, fruit and vegetable intake and physical inactivity (p < 0.001). There was no correlation between sickness absenteeism and risk factors for NCDs. Conclusion: The cost to implement the multicomponent HCW programme was low with significant beneficial consequences in transforming the workplace environment and reducing risks factors for NCDs. Findings of this study will be useful for small, medium and large organisations, the national department of health, and similar settings in LMICs.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The effect of a physical wellness pathway on the chronic absenteeism of shift workers at an Eskom power station
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2003-12) Schouw, Darcelle D.; Bernard, J. G.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Sport Science.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: For many companies, health care can consume half of corporate profits or more. Some employers look to cost sharing, cost shifting, managed care plans, risk rating and cash based rebates or incentives. These methods merely shift costs. Absenteeism in South Africa claims 3.2% of all scheduled work hours, 43 000 work hours per week, 9 days lost per employee per year and 1 employee in every 15 on a weekly basis. The main objective of this study was to establish the effect of a physical wellness intervention on the chronic absenteeism of a governmental company like Eskom. Fiftyfour males with a mean age of 42.13 years, participated in the program. Morphological and physiological variables included fat percentage; body mass index (BMI), cholesterol, blood pressure (BP), flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, waist circumference and muscle endurance. The participants were divided into four groups consisting of 12-15 individuals. Data was collected over a period of six months (March-August 2001). There were six sessions in which the subjects participated namely: wellness awareness, general body wellness, heart wellness, stress wellness, posture wellness and nutritional wellness. These sessions focussed on education, testing and physical activity, with follow-ups and maintenance at the Biokinetic rehabilitation station. Trends for the group were traced using a statistical analysis for absenteeism tallying the GSAR (gross sickness absentee rate) and AFR (absentee frequency rate) for the participants. The GSAR and AFR were significantly lower during the intervention. The return of investment was calculated based on the amount of hours worked per month on the August 2001 payroll, where the increment figure is based on an average increase of 7.9%. The result of the study concluded that work-site body wellness is health care reform that works, with absenteeism decreasing significantly and an improved employee health status.