Assessing participation, satisfaction, and early risk detection in the pilot workplace NCD screening program in Tamil Nadu

Abstract Background Non-communicable diseases account for 74% of annual deaths worldwide. Early detection of these conditions is necessary for timely intervention, and prevention. The workplace serves as a suitable environment for screening by reaching large group of at-risk population. However, the effectiveness of implementing workplace screening programs depends on employee participation, satisfaction, and health outcomes. Therefore, this study aims to assess the employee satisfaction, participation rates, and factors influencing participation in workplace NCD screening programs along with the short-term outcomes, such as early detection rates. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted across 29 industries from April 2024 to March 2025 in which the workplace NCD screening programs were implemented by the government health department. Information on participants’ demographic profile, Morbidity status, overall perception of the screening program, and its possible outcomes was collected among its employees. Ethics approval was obtained from SRM IEC. Results A total of 296 employees participated in the study. 92.2% of the respondents had participated in a hypertension or diabetic screening program at their current workplace. Notably 43.8% of individuals with diabetes and 45.5% with hypertension were initially identified through workplace screening program, and 22.7% of them reported that they have made some lifestyle changes after NCD screening. Overall, two-third of the participants was satisfied with the screening programs. Years of experience and organisational support were the influencing factors for participation in workplace screening programs. Conclusion High participation rate, substantial initial case detection and strong employee satisfaction demonstrates that workplace NCD screening program in Tamil Nadu’s organised sector are both feasible and effective even for a long run.