Impact of a Contextualized Workplace Intervention in a Latino Population on Reducing Cardiovascular Risk and Its Associated Factors

TL;DR

A workplace program adapted for Latino workers reduced cardiovascular risk by improving weight, BMI, and physical activity over 16 weeks.

Contribution

A culturally adapted workplace intervention showed effectiveness in reducing cardiovascular risk among a Latin American population.

Findings

The predicted mean cardiovascular risk score decreased from 8.03% to 6.71% after the 16-week intervention.

Significant reductions were observed in weight, BMI, and physical inactivity levels.

Systolic blood pressure and glucose levels showed moderate improvements, while HDL cholesterol increased slightly.

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading global cause of death, disproportionately affecting Latin America. This study evaluated the impact of a contextualized workplace intervention, adapted from the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), on reducing cardiovascular risk (CVR) in a Latin American population. Methods: A quasi-experimental, pre-post study was conducted with 100 adults (34 males, 66 females) affiliated with the social security system. The 16-week “Transforma tu vida con cambios diarios” program, included ten sessions focused on motivation, healthy eating and physical activity. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical parameters were measured before and after the intervention. CVR was estimated as a 10-year risk percentage using the non-laboratory Globorisk model. Analysis included paired t-test and Cohen’s d effect sizes. Results: Significant improvements (p < 0.05) were associated with the intervention. The predicted mean CVR score decreased from 8.03% to 6.71% (p = 0.03, d = 0.658). Reductions were observed in weight (73.1 to 71.7 kg, p < 0.001, d = 0.424), BMI (29.0 to 28.5 kg/m2, p < 0.001, d = 0.363), and physical inactivity (60% to 39%, p = 0.001). A moderate-low clinical impact was found for systolic blood pressure (124.9 to 121.2 mmHg; p = 0.003, d = 0.301) and glucose (103.3 to 101.1 mg/dL; p = 0.04, d = 0.218) and HDL cholesterol (51.5 to 54.9 mg/dL; p = 0.02, d = −0.286) showed significant but small effects. Conclusions: The intervention was associated with favorable changes in clinical and anthropometric indicators. The results provide preliminary evidence that logistical adaptation to the workplace can effectively reach at-risk Latino populations, with weight and BMI improvements reflecting the program’s strong physical activity component.

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