Workplace Health Interventions Targeting Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes Mellitus for Blue-Collar Workers
Scientific publications by JACARDI
In this post series we share the scientific publications directly linked to the JACARDI project. All publications featured in this series are authored or co-authored by JACARDI partners and reflect research and findings developed within the project framework.
We aim to showcase how evidence supports our joint mission to tackle cardiovascular diseases and diabetes across Europe.
Stay informed on how JACARDI turns evidence into action.
Authors: Chiara Di Girolamo, MD, MSc, PhD; Agnieszka Lipiak, MA; Matteo Franco, MSc; Krzysztof Kaczmarek, PhD; Guillermo Barreres-Martín, MSc; Piotr Romaniuk, PhD; Carles Muñoz-Alfonso, MSc; Andrea Arroyo-Álvarez, MSc; Federica Turatto, MD; Daznia Bompart Berroterán, PhD; Ewelina Chawłowska, PhD
Abstract:
Background: Cardiometabolic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and diabetes mellitus (DM), represent a global health issue, causing significant premature mortality and disability. Blue-collar workers, who often face a higher exposure to risk factors (eg, smoking, poor diet, and lack of physical activity), are particularly vulnerable to these diseases. Workplace health promotion plays a crucial role in mitigating this risk, yet the scope and the characteristics of interventions targeting this specific workforce remain unclear.
Objective: The objective of this scoping review will be to assess the extent and characteristics of workplace health promotion interventions aimed at preventing cardiometabolic diseases and their risk factors in blue-collar workers.
Methods: The review will follow the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. A search of MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Database as well as grey literature will be conducted. The search strategy is designed to capture relevant studies published since 2014 in English, Spanish, Italian, and Polish. Eligible study designs include experimental design (eg, randomized controlled trials), observational studies (eg, longitudinal studies), qualitative research, and mixed-method approaches as well as other formats present in grey literature (eg, reports). This review will include studies focusing on health promotion interventions involving adult blue-collar workers (aged ≥18 years) currently employed, with at least 60% of participants being blue-collar employees. The interventions of interest are workplace health promotion strategies targeting CVD, DM, or their risk factors, such as hypertension, obesity, and smoking. Each paper retrieved will be screened for inclusion by at least 2 reviewers. Disagreements between the reviewers will be resolved through discussion with the other reviewers. Studies focusing on noninterventional contexts, mental health, or ergonomic safety will be excluded. Data will be extracted and analyzed using qualitative and quantitative methods, with a focus on intervention types, participant characteristics, and outcomes.
Results: The study began in March 2024 and the full scoping review report is expected to be ready in September 2025.
Conclusions: The scoping review presented in this protocol can contribute to filling the knowledge gap by mapping the current state of workplace health promotion interventions aimed at preventing CVD and DM and modifying relevant risk factors in the blue-collar workers’ group.
Career interventions for people with non‑communicable diseases
Scientific publications by JACARDI
In this post series we share the scientific publications directly linked to the JACARDI project. All publications featured in this series are authored or co-authored by JACARDI partners and reflect research and findings developed within the project framework.
We aim to showcase how evidence supports our joint mission to tackle cardiovascular diseases and diabetes across Europe.
Stay informed on how JACARDI turns evidence into action.
Keywords Non-communicable diseases · Career intervention · Inclusion · Work ability · Chronic diseases
Authors: Martina Lanza, Alessia Marcassoli, Leonardi Matilde ,Guastafierro Erika, Ewelina Chawłowska, Agnieszka Lipiak, Maria Nowosadko, Barbara Gawłowska, Fornari Arianna
Abstract:
Aim Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are medical conditions associated with long duration and slow progress. Many working-age persons with chronic conditions face job-related difficulties. The aim of this scoping review is to provide evidence about career interventions implemented in Europe for people with non-communicable diseases.
Subject and methods Studies were searched using PubMed and Scopus electronic databases and the selection process followed the Population Concept Context framework. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess the quality of studies included. The search string was based on two main terms: “health condition” and “intervention in the labour setting”.
Studies conducted in European countries and published in English between 2020 and 2024 were included.
Results A total of 830 studies were screened and five were finally included. Quality assessment score ranged from 40 to 100%. Most of the studies describe interventions provided in clinical settings involving mainly healthcare professionals.
All included studies aimed to increase healthcare professionals’ knowledge on managing chronic diseases at work and/or to support patients’ return to work. However, no companies or employers were involved in the implementation strategies, highlighting an important gap in the application of interventions in a real-world context.
Conclusion The evidence on workplace interventions for workers with NCDs in Europe is very limited. Existing initiatives focus largely on healthcare-based approaches and professional training but without translation into real-world workplace contexts. Strengthening communication between healthcare systems, occupational health services, and business organizations is essential to develop and implement feasible interventions. As the number of working-age persons with non-communicable diseases is increasing and will probably increase in the future, supporting this group’s work ability constitutes an urgent public health challenge.
Source: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10389-025-02640-9