Cardiovascular Health of Construction Workers in Hong Kong: A Cross-Sectional Study

Joanne Wai-Yee Chung, Bonny Yee-Man Wong, Vincent Chun-Man Yan, Louisa Ming-Yan Chung, Henry Chi-Fuk So and Albert Chan
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Joanne Wai-Yee Chung: Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, 10 Lo Ping Road, Tai Po, New Territories, Hon Kong, China
Bonny Yee-Man Wong: Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, 10 Lo Ping Road, Tai Po, New Territories, Hon Kong, China
Vincent Chun-Man Yan: Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, 10 Lo Ping Road, Tai Po, New Territories, Hon Kong, China
Louisa Ming-Yan Chung: Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, 10 Lo Ping Road, Tai Po, New Territories, Hon Kong, China
Henry Chi-Fuk So: Department of Mathematics and Information Technology, The Education University of Hong Kong, 10 Lo Ping Road, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
Albert Chan: Department of Building and Real Estate, Polytechnic University, 11 Yuk Choi Rd, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China

IJERPH, 2018, vol. 15, issue 6, 1-20

Abstract: Background: Given a shortage of construction workers, it is important to develop strategies to avoid early retirement caused by cardiovascular diseases in Hong Kong. Objectives: (1) to describe the cardiovascular health of construction workers in Hong Kong, (2) to examine the demographic differences in cardiovascular health, and (3) to examine the association between health behaviors and cardiovascular health factors. Methods: 626 registered construction workers were included in the analysis. Blood chemistry, blood pressure, weight, and height were measured. Face-to-face questionnaire interviews for health behaviors were conducted. Results: Approximately two-thirds of the construction workers achieved only three out of the seven “ideal” cardiovascular health metrics. The younger, more educated, and female subjects had better cardiovascular health scores than the older, less educated, and male counterparts. Fish and seafood consumption was associated with (1) ideal weight status and (2) ideal cholesterol level, whereas less soft drink consumption was associated with ideal cholesterol level. Conclusions: The findings highlighted the importance of promoting cardiovascular health in the construction industry. This study provided some insights for future interventions, which should include increasing fish and seafood intake, decreasing soft drink consumption, and enhancing the health literacy amongst older, less educated, and male construction workers.

Keywords: construction industry; heart health; lifestyle behaviors; healthy eating; physical activity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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