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- Title
Audit of waist measurement methods during statutory diving medical assessments.
- Authors
Williams, N; Moore, A; Woods, M; Forman, S
- Abstract
Background Measurement of waist circumference is used to assess abdominal fat and risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and stroke. It is performed in several clinical settings for health promotion and medical assessment purposes, including statutory medical assessments where results may influence decisions on fitness to work. Under the Diving at Work Regulations 1997, working divers must have an annual assessment of their fitness to dive performed by an approved medical examiner of divers (AMED), appointed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The assessment includes measurement of height, weight and waist circumference, the latter used as an indicator of central adiposity and associated health risks. Aims To establish the practice of AMEDs in measuring waist circumference of working divers undergoing medical assessment to determine their fitness to dive. Methods Ninety-seven AMEDs were sent a questionnaire and asked to describe their current practice in measuring waist circumference. The response rate was 79%. The audit standard used was the consensus document published by the World Health Organization (WHO). Results Of the 77 responses, 76 were completed sufficiently to allow analysis. When the waist was measured, there was consistency in the diver's level of clothing, stage of breathing and posture for the procedure but variability in the site of measurement. Only 7/76 (9%) respondents carried out waist measurement fully in line with WHO guidance. Conclusions The audit has identified that there is a need for guidance for AMEDs on measuring waist circumference in the statutory medical assessment of working divers.
- Subjects
WORLD Health Organization; MEDICAL needs assessment; SCUBA divers; WAIST circumference; DIVING; HEIGHT measurement; ABDOMINAL adipose tissue
- Publication
Occupational Medicine, 2021, Vol 71, Issue 8, p331
- ISSN
0962-7480
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1093/occmed/kqab110