A review of factors influencing construction workers’ nutritional uptake
- Okoro, Chioma, Musonda, Innocent, Agumba, Justus
- Authors: Okoro, Chioma , Musonda, Innocent , Agumba, Justus
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Construction workers - Nutrition
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4889 , ISBN 978-0-86970-782-1 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12603
- Description: Purpose: Nutrition is linked with construction worker health and safety (H&S) performance. Some accidents, injuries and in some cases, deaths on construction sites are direct or indirect results of physical and psychological distresses (chronic health conditions and mental instability) arising from poor nutrition of construction workers. This alarming situation could gravely affect construction workers, their families, the industry and the economy as a whole since health will be adversely affected, performance will be hindered, avoidable on-site exigencies, injuries and sometimes deaths will occur, resulting in lost working hours or days, lost wages, increased healthcare costs, and decline in productivity and Gross Domestic Product. This study therefore reviews the factors which influence the nutritional uptake amongst construction workers and possible interventions. Methods: This study is based on review of previous literature on the construction industry and its H&S performance, as well as factors influencing nutritional uptake and nutrition interventions in the construction industry. The literature review was based on both international and South African context. Findings: The study revealed that construction workers’ nutrition is influenced by personal factors and environmental factors. The study also established feasible nutrition interventions based on these factors. Nutrition promotion initiatives need to target the different influences on construction workers’ nutritional uptake. Value: The study highlights construction workers’ nutrition influencers and reveals feasible strategies to improve nutrition and thus safety performance on construction sites. Practical implications: Findings from this study will inform development and implementation of programmes and policies targeted towards nutritional uptake tailored for construction workers.
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- Authors: Okoro, Chioma , Musonda, Innocent , Agumba, Justus
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Construction workers - Nutrition
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:4889 , ISBN 978-0-86970-782-1 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12603
- Description: Purpose: Nutrition is linked with construction worker health and safety (H&S) performance. Some accidents, injuries and in some cases, deaths on construction sites are direct or indirect results of physical and psychological distresses (chronic health conditions and mental instability) arising from poor nutrition of construction workers. This alarming situation could gravely affect construction workers, their families, the industry and the economy as a whole since health will be adversely affected, performance will be hindered, avoidable on-site exigencies, injuries and sometimes deaths will occur, resulting in lost working hours or days, lost wages, increased healthcare costs, and decline in productivity and Gross Domestic Product. This study therefore reviews the factors which influence the nutritional uptake amongst construction workers and possible interventions. Methods: This study is based on review of previous literature on the construction industry and its H&S performance, as well as factors influencing nutritional uptake and nutrition interventions in the construction industry. The literature review was based on both international and South African context. Findings: The study revealed that construction workers’ nutrition is influenced by personal factors and environmental factors. The study also established feasible nutrition interventions based on these factors. Nutrition promotion initiatives need to target the different influences on construction workers’ nutritional uptake. Value: The study highlights construction workers’ nutrition influencers and reveals feasible strategies to improve nutrition and thus safety performance on construction sites. Practical implications: Findings from this study will inform development and implementation of programmes and policies targeted towards nutritional uptake tailored for construction workers.
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A correlation study of nutrition and factors influencing food choices among construction workers
- Okoro, C., Musonda, I., Agumba, J.
- Authors: Okoro, C. , Musonda, I. , Agumba, J.
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Construction workers - Nutrition , Construction workers - Health and hygiene
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/55274 , uj:16273 , Citation: Okoro, C., Musonda, I. & Agumba, J. 2015. A correlation study of nutrition and factors influencing food choices among construction workers. In: Mojekwu, J.N. et al. (eds.) Proceedings of 4th Applied Research Conference in Africa (ARCA) Conference, 27-29 August 2015, Ibadan, Nigeria:212-225. , ISBN: 978-9988-2-2066-2
- Description: Abstract: Nutrition is known to be linked with worker health and safety (H&S) performance. Literature suggests that construction workers have poor nutrition and this adversely affects their health, wellbeing and safety on construction sites. Strategies to improve their nutrition warrant considerable attention. This paper aims to identify significant relationships between factors influencing nutrition and the food choices of construction workers. Empirical data for the correlational study were collected through a field questionnaire survey on site construction workers in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. Principal components analysis and Pearson‘s correlation analysis were conducted. Findings revealed that food context, nutritional knowledge, resources and personal ideas and systems were significantly associated with choice of foods. By highlighting the factors which are correlated with nutritional choices amongst construction workers, the study provides valuable evidence which will allow for the development and implementation of efficient and successful intervention programs geared towards improving construction workers' nutrition and thus site safety performance.
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- Authors: Okoro, C. , Musonda, I. , Agumba, J.
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Construction workers - Nutrition , Construction workers - Health and hygiene
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/55274 , uj:16273 , Citation: Okoro, C., Musonda, I. & Agumba, J. 2015. A correlation study of nutrition and factors influencing food choices among construction workers. In: Mojekwu, J.N. et al. (eds.) Proceedings of 4th Applied Research Conference in Africa (ARCA) Conference, 27-29 August 2015, Ibadan, Nigeria:212-225. , ISBN: 978-9988-2-2066-2
- Description: Abstract: Nutrition is known to be linked with worker health and safety (H&S) performance. Literature suggests that construction workers have poor nutrition and this adversely affects their health, wellbeing and safety on construction sites. Strategies to improve their nutrition warrant considerable attention. This paper aims to identify significant relationships between factors influencing nutrition and the food choices of construction workers. Empirical data for the correlational study were collected through a field questionnaire survey on site construction workers in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. Principal components analysis and Pearson‘s correlation analysis were conducted. Findings revealed that food context, nutritional knowledge, resources and personal ideas and systems were significantly associated with choice of foods. By highlighting the factors which are correlated with nutritional choices amongst construction workers, the study provides valuable evidence which will allow for the development and implementation of efficient and successful intervention programs geared towards improving construction workers' nutrition and thus site safety performance.
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Nutritional awareness in the construction industry
- Okoro, Chioma, Musonda, Innocent, Agumba, Justus
- Authors: Okoro, Chioma , Musonda, Innocent , Agumba, Justus
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Construction workers - Nutrition , Construction workers - Health and hygiene
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/55372 , uj:16285 , Citation: Okoro, C., Musonda, I. & Agumba, J. 2015. Nutritional awareness in the construction industry. Proceedings of the International Conference on Infrastructure Investments in Africa (DII-2015), September 16-18, Livingstone:383-390. , ISBN: 978-0-86970-787-6.
- Description: Abstract: Nutrition is linked with construction worker health, wellbeing and productivity improvements. Unhealthy eating may result in reduced immunity, increased proneness to developing chronic diseases, reduced concentration and alertness and reduced productivity. Improving the nutrition of construction workers is therefore of paramount concern. Although it is generally acknowledged that improving nutrition requires an understanding of the factors which influence construction workers‟ food choices, it has also been shown that the first step in achieving healthy eating is through increasing nutritional awareness and knowledge which will help in inculcating positive nutritional behaviour. The present paper therefore aims to highlight the state of nutritional knowledge among construction workers and possible ways of increasing nutritional awareness. A review of literature related to nutritional knowledge of workers, as well as health, safety and productivity of construction workers, was conducted. Sources included web- based journal and conference articles, magazines and reports. The distillation of literature through thematic analysis revealed that construction workers are aware of the benefits of nutrition in improving their health, safety and productivity, albeit it is seldom reflected in the food choices they make. The study also established that nutrition education programmes which target specific audiences and go beyond disseminating information to creating an enabling environment, ultimately beget long-term positive nutritional behaviours. The study concludes that increasing awareness of the importance of nutrition education and similar interventions could primarily improve construction workers‟ nutrition and in turn, health, safety, wellbeing and productivity. It is recommended that construction stakeholders view nutrition education as an integral aspect of health and safety training on sites. It should be mandatory for companies to have nutrition training sessions for employees on a continuous basis.
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- Authors: Okoro, Chioma , Musonda, Innocent , Agumba, Justus
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Construction workers - Nutrition , Construction workers - Health and hygiene
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/55372 , uj:16285 , Citation: Okoro, C., Musonda, I. & Agumba, J. 2015. Nutritional awareness in the construction industry. Proceedings of the International Conference on Infrastructure Investments in Africa (DII-2015), September 16-18, Livingstone:383-390. , ISBN: 978-0-86970-787-6.
- Description: Abstract: Nutrition is linked with construction worker health, wellbeing and productivity improvements. Unhealthy eating may result in reduced immunity, increased proneness to developing chronic diseases, reduced concentration and alertness and reduced productivity. Improving the nutrition of construction workers is therefore of paramount concern. Although it is generally acknowledged that improving nutrition requires an understanding of the factors which influence construction workers‟ food choices, it has also been shown that the first step in achieving healthy eating is through increasing nutritional awareness and knowledge which will help in inculcating positive nutritional behaviour. The present paper therefore aims to highlight the state of nutritional knowledge among construction workers and possible ways of increasing nutritional awareness. A review of literature related to nutritional knowledge of workers, as well as health, safety and productivity of construction workers, was conducted. Sources included web- based journal and conference articles, magazines and reports. The distillation of literature through thematic analysis revealed that construction workers are aware of the benefits of nutrition in improving their health, safety and productivity, albeit it is seldom reflected in the food choices they make. The study also established that nutrition education programmes which target specific audiences and go beyond disseminating information to creating an enabling environment, ultimately beget long-term positive nutritional behaviours. The study concludes that increasing awareness of the importance of nutrition education and similar interventions could primarily improve construction workers‟ nutrition and in turn, health, safety, wellbeing and productivity. It is recommended that construction stakeholders view nutrition education as an integral aspect of health and safety training on sites. It should be mandatory for companies to have nutrition training sessions for employees on a continuous basis.
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Nutritional quality and health and safety performance in the South African construction industry
- Authors: Okoro, Chioma Sylvia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Construction industry - Health aspects - South Africa , Industrial safety - South Africa , Construction industry - South Africa - Safety measures , Construction workers - Health and hygiene , Construction workers - Nutrition
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/56185 , uj:16340
- Description: Abstract: Nutrition is linked with construction worker health and safety (H&S) performance. Some accidents, injuries and in some cases, deaths on construction sites are direct or indirect results of physical and psychological distresses (chronic health conditions and mental instability) arising from poor nutrition of construction workers. However, despite the undeniable contribution of nutrition to H&S performance improvements, there seems to be very little research on the nutrition of construction workers, especially in South Africa. The study therefore investigated the predominant nutritional intake of construction workers in the Gauteng Province of South Africa, the factors which influence the predominant intake, and the influence of nutrition on worker safety performance, and recommended possible interventions to improve construction workers‟ nutrition. A theoretical framework showing interrelationships between nutrition and its influencing factors as well as between nutrition and safety performance was developed based on the literature reviewed. Empirical data was collected through a field questionnaire survey. The questionnaire, which was first piloted, was administered to construction workers in order to determine how often they consumed various foods in a week, the factors which influenced their food choice and their safety performance on construction sites. Reliability test (Cronbach‟s alpha) was applied to the measurement sub-scales. Using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 software, empirical data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Principal components analysis (PCA) and multiple regression analysis (MRA) were used to analyse the data. Results revealed that construction workers‟ weekly consumption consisted mainly of corn meal, meat, fruits and vegetables. Nutritional knowledge, culture and resources were found to influence construction workers‟ nutrition. Other influencers were economic factors as well as personal ideas and systems. Nutrition was indicated to influence leading safety performance, whereas no significant effect was found on lagging safety performance. This research provides valuable evidence for improving the nutrition of construction workers and thus H&S performance on construction sites. Knowledge of the factors which influence the nutrition of construction workers will allow for the design of explicit, feasible and effectual... , M.Tech. (Construction Management)
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- Authors: Okoro, Chioma Sylvia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Construction industry - Health aspects - South Africa , Industrial safety - South Africa , Construction industry - South Africa - Safety measures , Construction workers - Health and hygiene , Construction workers - Nutrition
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/56185 , uj:16340
- Description: Abstract: Nutrition is linked with construction worker health and safety (H&S) performance. Some accidents, injuries and in some cases, deaths on construction sites are direct or indirect results of physical and psychological distresses (chronic health conditions and mental instability) arising from poor nutrition of construction workers. However, despite the undeniable contribution of nutrition to H&S performance improvements, there seems to be very little research on the nutrition of construction workers, especially in South Africa. The study therefore investigated the predominant nutritional intake of construction workers in the Gauteng Province of South Africa, the factors which influence the predominant intake, and the influence of nutrition on worker safety performance, and recommended possible interventions to improve construction workers‟ nutrition. A theoretical framework showing interrelationships between nutrition and its influencing factors as well as between nutrition and safety performance was developed based on the literature reviewed. Empirical data was collected through a field questionnaire survey. The questionnaire, which was first piloted, was administered to construction workers in order to determine how often they consumed various foods in a week, the factors which influenced their food choice and their safety performance on construction sites. Reliability test (Cronbach‟s alpha) was applied to the measurement sub-scales. Using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 software, empirical data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Principal components analysis (PCA) and multiple regression analysis (MRA) were used to analyse the data. Results revealed that construction workers‟ weekly consumption consisted mainly of corn meal, meat, fruits and vegetables. Nutritional knowledge, culture and resources were found to influence construction workers‟ nutrition. Other influencers were economic factors as well as personal ideas and systems. Nutrition was indicated to influence leading safety performance, whereas no significant effect was found on lagging safety performance. This research provides valuable evidence for improving the nutrition of construction workers and thus H&S performance on construction sites. Knowledge of the factors which influence the nutrition of construction workers will allow for the design of explicit, feasible and effectual... , M.Tech. (Construction Management)
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Relationship between nutrition and construction safety performance : experimental work
- Okoro, C. S., Musonda, I., Agumba, J. N.
- Authors: Okoro, C. S. , Musonda, I. , Agumba, J. N.
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Construction workers - Nutrition , Construction workers - Health and hygiene , Construction industry - Safety measures
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/55424 , uj:16289 , Citation: Okoro, C.S., Musonda, I. & Agumba, J.N., 2015. Relationship between nutrition and construction safety performance : experimental work. In: Sato, H. & Kyratsis, P. (eds.), Proceedings of the International Conference on Food Nutrition and Civil Engineering (ICFNCE'2015), March 14–15, Dubai (UAE):74-78. , ISBN:978-93-84468-18-7
- Description: Abstract: It is known that nutrition is linked with worker health and safety (H&S) performance. However, this relationship has not been evaluated empirically. The present paper evaluates the relationship between nutrition and safety performance on construction sites. Empirical data were collected through a field questionnaire survey conducted on site construction workers in South Africa. Principal components analysis and Spearman’s correlation analysis were used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that increased consumption of certain foods termed “alternatives” in the current study, including dairy products, eggs, nuts, fish and cereals, was associated with improved safety performance. No significant correlation was found between nutritional choice and negative performance measures. By providing evidence of which foods may be correlated with safety performance of construction workers on construction sites, the design of explicit nutrition interventions for construction workers, particularly including planning for these significant foods, will be allowed. The study will also result in nutrition being given more attention in H&S considerations on construction sites.
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- Authors: Okoro, C. S. , Musonda, I. , Agumba, J. N.
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Construction workers - Nutrition , Construction workers - Health and hygiene , Construction industry - Safety measures
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/55424 , uj:16289 , Citation: Okoro, C.S., Musonda, I. & Agumba, J.N., 2015. Relationship between nutrition and construction safety performance : experimental work. In: Sato, H. & Kyratsis, P. (eds.), Proceedings of the International Conference on Food Nutrition and Civil Engineering (ICFNCE'2015), March 14–15, Dubai (UAE):74-78. , ISBN:978-93-84468-18-7
- Description: Abstract: It is known that nutrition is linked with worker health and safety (H&S) performance. However, this relationship has not been evaluated empirically. The present paper evaluates the relationship between nutrition and safety performance on construction sites. Empirical data were collected through a field questionnaire survey conducted on site construction workers in South Africa. Principal components analysis and Spearman’s correlation analysis were used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that increased consumption of certain foods termed “alternatives” in the current study, including dairy products, eggs, nuts, fish and cereals, was associated with improved safety performance. No significant correlation was found between nutritional choice and negative performance measures. By providing evidence of which foods may be correlated with safety performance of construction workers on construction sites, the design of explicit nutrition interventions for construction workers, particularly including planning for these significant foods, will be allowed. The study will also result in nutrition being given more attention in H&S considerations on construction sites.
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