Reducing metabolic syndrome among particular at risk female workers by using peer-led intervention in uniform-sewing military factory Bangkok metropolitan region Thailand

Abstract

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a major health problem in Thailand. Females are reported to have a higher rate of MetS than males. Very few peer-led intervention studies have been conducted on specific groups, such as seamstresses, at risk of MetS. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a peer-led intervention program on reducing MetS in female workers in Thai Uniform-Sewing Military Factories. A quasi-experimental design was applied to female sewing factory workers selected for this research. All participants had MetS with at least one of the following; 1) waist circumference > 80 cm 2) raised triglyceride levels 3) reduced HDL cholesterol 4) raised blood pressure 5) raised fasting plasma glucose. But while the experimental group (N=50 participants) received individual and group support discussion sessions that included both dietary and physical activity advice, including group activities for sharing experiences and supporting to each other, the control group (N=49 participants) followed their usual daily routines. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. The results showed that after six months of participation, when compared to the control group, the intervention group had significantly improved in clinical parameters (triglyceride, High Density Lipoprotein) and knowledge of MetS. In addition, there were significant differences in waist circumference, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure as well as prception of MetS and risk factors and physical activity (PA) were the significant differences of the intervention group. However, fasting plasma glucose, food frequency score and stress levels were not significantly different but still improved. Findings from this study suggest that a peer-led support program could be introduced as an effective means of improving the behaviors of mostly sedentary factory workers at risk of MS or other health risks caused by working habits that are detrimental to health.