title: Feasibility of integrating mental health and noncommunicable disease risk factor screening in periodical medical examination of employees in industries: An exploratory initiative.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Noncommunicable disease (NCDs), psychological, substance use disorders, and stress-related issues have been less understood in Indian industrial settings. Systems for screening and early identification of the above have not been integrated in workplaces, nor there is a strong regulatory backing for the same.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To explore the feasibility of integrating mental health and select NCD risk factor screening with the periodical medical examination of employees. To identify proportion of employees with select NCD risk factors and symptoms suggestive of mental health problems.
  
  
  METHODS
  Around 10% of employees from a leading motor industry in Bangalore, (706) participated in this cross-sectional voluntary screening program.
  
  
  METHODS
  This screening was conducted as a part of their annual medical examination. A mixed method of self-report and interview administered technique was adopted for the same.
  
  
  METHODS
  Descriptive statistical methods (proportions, median, mean, and standard deviation (SD)) and Chi-square test of significance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Screening revealed the following; tobacco use (18%), alcohol use (57%), perceived work stress (10%), and obesity (3%). Nearly 23% screened positive for psychological distress. Time consumed for this assessment was 1-5 min. Initial attempts point out that it is feasible to integrate screening for mental health, substance use, and NCD risk factors in periodic medical examination using a combination of self-report and interview-administered method, though further detailed assessments for confirmation is necessary.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology, Centre for Public Health, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Gautham Melur
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Sukumar
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Health, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited, Bidadi, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Kowshik
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kupatira
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology, Centre for Public Health, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gururaj
keywords: Feasibility; industry; mental health; screening