The working population in urban Bangkok is the group with the highest contribution to the productivity in Thailand; however, they are also the group at the highest risk of developing diabetes and other lifestyle related diseases. Ultimately, this implies a threat to the Thai economy as productivity diminishes when people fall ill and are in the need of a sick day or can no longer work because of their condition. Many Thai employers provide health care benefits to their employees; however the majority is devoted to treatment while prevention messages and interventions go unnoticed. In an attempt to reverse this situation, the Foundation for the Development of Diabetes Care and the Theptarin Hospital in Bangkok aim to convince employers of the immediate and long term benefits of prevention of lifestyle related diseases through motivation of their employees to modify unhealthy behaviours. The project seeks to induce a behaviour modification towards a healthier lifestyle among the urban working population.
The two major partners in this project are the Foundation for Development of Diabetes Care, a foundation striving to develop diabetes care and prevention in Thailand and the first diabetes centre in Thailand - the Theptarin Hospital, which has more than 14 years of experience in arranging diabetes camps and behaviour modification activities. Initially, approximately 20 local small and medium-sized companies will be selected to participate in the project. Selection will be based upon employers' interest and understanding of the necessity to provide preventive health care to their employees. During the recruitment process, employers will be educated in risks and prevention versus treatment as health benefits for their employees. Subsequently, around 2,000 employees from the 20 companies will participate in a health fair called "Healthy Day @ Work" which will be organised at their workplace. The health fair will include health risk assessments e.g. post-pandrial blood glucose testing and body composition analysis, which is intended to make people aware of their own risk of disease and be used as a baseline measure to assess their behaviour modification effort. In addition, the health fair will incorporate several educational activities and an exhibition on health risks, diet management and exercise. In connection with the health fairs, 500 people at high risk of developing diabetes will be invited to join a 3-month behaviour modification programme. Included in the programme are a 1-day camp at Theptarin Hospital at which an oral glucose tolerance test and a physical test will be conducted in addition to classes and workshops on nutrition, exercise and goal setting. Employers will be encouraged to lay out a programme to motivate and follow up on behaviour changes in the high risk group. After 3 months, a 1-day evaluation is scheduled to take place at which oral glucose tolerance and a physical tests will be performed once more to assess any changes, and group activities and discussions on nutrition and exercise will be carried out. For the employers, a 1-day event for sharing experiences will be held. This will provide employers with the opportunity to exchange means to support, promote and motivate employees to modify their diet and exercise behaviours. In addition, the project also entails an information component. Hence, information on project activities and preventive health care will be published in newspapers and magazines in order to raise awareness among the general population.
- 8,662 persons joined mobile health exhibition activity and received first-hand diabetes risk assessment services and information on diabetes prevention- 233 persons completed diabetes risk-reduction program