“Back Health 24/7/365”—A Novel, Comprehensive “One Size Fits All” Workplace Health Promotion Intervention for Occupational Back Health among Hospital Employees
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SUBMITTER: Hasenoehrl T
PROVIDER: S-EPMC11203411 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jun
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:IntroductionHealth literacy and numeracy are linked to obesity and dietary behaviors. This study investigates whether the effect of a workplace behavioral intervention to prevent weight gain and improve diet differed by employee health literacy and numeracy.MethodsChooseWell 365 was an RCT of hospital employees testing a 12-month intervention using nudges and feedback to promote healthier choices, building on existing cafeteria traffic light labels (e.g., green=healthy, red=unhealthy). Health literacy and numeracy were measured with the Newest Vital Sign (range=0-6) and General Numeracy Scale (range=0-3). Mixed-effects linear models examined if intervention effects on cafeteria purchases, diet quality (Healthy Eating Index 2015, range=0-100), and weight change over 24 months differed by higher versus lower health literacy or numeracy. Data were collected in 2016-2020 and analyzed in 2020-2021.ResultsIn 12 months, 510 participants completed the Newest Vital Sign and General Numerancy Scale; 36.7% had Newest Vital Sign<6 (lower health literacy) and 31.6% had General Numerancy Scale<2 (lower numeracy). Intervention participants increased healthy purchases over 24 months compared with controls in both higher and lower health literacy and numeracy groups. At 12 months, Healthy Eating Index 2015 scores increased in intervention versus control participants with lower health literacy (5.5 points, 95% CI=1.51, 9.54) but not in those with higher health literacy (p-interaction=0.040). BMI did not differ by health literacy or numeracy.ConclusionsA behavioral intervention improved cafeteria food choices of hospital employees of varying health literacy and numeracy levels and improved diet quality among employees with lower health literacy, suggesting this group also improved food choices outside of work.
| S-EPMC9232847 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Many worksite health promotion programs ignore the potential influence of working conditions on unhealthy behaviors.A study of nursing home employees (56% nursing aides) utilized a standardized questionnaire. We analyzed the cross-sectional associations between workplace stressors and obesity, cigarette smoking, and physical inactivity.Of 1506 respondents, 20% reported exposure to three or more workplace stressors (physical or organizational), such as lifting heavy loads, low decision latitude, low coworker support, regular night work, and physical assault. For each outcome, the prevalence ratio was between 1.5 and 2 for respondents with four or five job stressors. Individuals under age 40 had stronger associations between workplace stressors and smoking and obesity.Workplace stressors were strongly associated with smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity, even among the lowest-status workers. Current working conditions affected younger workers more than older workers. Although this study is cross-sectional, it has other strengths, including the broad range of work stressors studied. Strenuous physical work and psychosocial strain are common among low-wage workers such as nursing home aides. Workplace health promotion programs may be more effective if they include measures to reduce stressful work environment features, so that working conditions support rather than interfere with employee health.
| S-EPMC4561990 | biostudies-other
Project description:IntroductionWorkplace health promotion is important in the prevention of non-communicable diseases among employees. Previous workplace health programs have shown benefits such as lowered disease prevalence, reduced medical costs and improved productivity. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a 6-year workplace health promotion program on employees' blood pressure in a public university.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, we included 1,365 employees enrolled in the university's workplace health promotion program, a program conducted since 2008 and using data from the 2008-2013 follow-up period. Participants were permanent employees aged 35 years and above, with at least one follow up measurements and no change in antihypertensive medication during the study period. Baseline socio-demographic information was collected using a questionnaire while anthropometry measurements and resting blood pressure were collected during annual health screening. Changes in blood pressure over time were analyzed using a linear mixed model.ResultsThe systolic blood pressure in the hypertension subgroup decreased 2.36 mmHg per year (p<0.0001). There was also significant improvement in systolic blood pressure among the participants who were at risk of hypertension (-0.75 mmHg, p<0.001). The diastolic blood pressure among the hypertensive and at risk subgroups improved 1.76 mmHg/year (p<0.001) and 0.56 mmHg/year (p<0.001), respectively. However, there was no change in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure among participants in the healthy subgroup over the 6-year period.ConclusionThis study shows that continuing participation in workplace health promotion program has the potential to improve blood pressure levels among employees.
| S-EPMC4739732 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivesTo determine the attitudes of eldercare services managers to the potential health benefits of workplace health promotion programmes (WHPPs), including physical exercise during working hours and the feasibility of implementing a WHPP at the workplace.Study designA cross-sectional study.MethodsRespondents filled out a 14-item questionnaire on attitudes towards the potential health benefits of WHPPs and the feasibility of implementing WHPPs. Differences between groups were analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The significance level was set to p = 0.05. Bonferroni's correction was used in the setting of multiple comparisons. A content analysis was performed exploring answers provided in the optional comment section in the questionnaire.Results695 eldercare services managers in Denmark were contacted by email, 393 replied, and 382 respondents were included in the analysis (54.7%). The survey revealed that 89.8% of the respondents believed that WHPPs would increase health, 89.6% believed that it would increase well-being and 87.6% believed that WHPPs would increase workability among workers. 87.7% expressed a willingness towards implementing WHPPs and believed 'it to be a good idea'. Respondents with a negative attitude to the feasibility of implementing WHPPs, were more likely to hold negative attitudes to the potential health benefits of WHPPs (p < 0.001). Organisational issues were the most frequently stated barrier to implementation.ConclusionsThe majority of eldercare managers expressed a positive attitude to the benefits of WHPPs and their implementation. Addressing organisational issues and ensuring management support in the planning stage of a WHPP is highly important.
| S-EPMC9461371 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundRural and urban areas hold different health challenges and resources for resident small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their employees. Additionally, residents of urban and rural areas differ in individual characteristics. This study aims at investigating potential rural-urban differences (1) in the participation rate in workplace health promotion (WHP) and (2) in the relationship of WHP and health relevant outcomes in residents living in rural or urban German areas and working in SMEs.MethodsData of a large German Employee Survey in 2018 were used and analyzed by chi-square and t-tests and regression analyses regarding job satisfaction, sick days, and psychosomatic complaints. A total of 10,763 SME employees was included in analyses (23.9% living in rural, 76.1% living in urban areas).ResultsAnalyses revealed higher participation rates for SME employees living in rural areas. SME employees living in urban areas reported more often the existence of WHP. Results showed (a) significance of existence of WHP for psychosomatic complaints and (b) significance of participation in WHP for job satisfaction in SME employees living in urban but not for those living in rural areas.ConclusionThe revealed disparities of (1) higher participation rates in SME employees living in rural areas and in (2) the relationship of WHP aspects with health relevant outcomes are of special interest for practitioners (, e.g. human resource managers), politicians, and researchers by providing new indications for planning and evaluating WHP measures.
| S-EPMC9123665 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Worksite-based programs to improve workforce health and well-being (Workplace Health Promotion (WHP)) have been advanced as conduits for improved worker productivity and decreased health care costs. There has been a countervailing health economics contention that return on investment (ROI) does not merit preventive health investment. METHODS/PROCEDURES: Pertinent studies were reviewed and results reconsidered. A simple economic model is presented based on conventional and alternate assumptions used in cost benefit analysis (CBA), such as discounting and negative value. The issues are presented in the format of 3 conceptual dilemmas.In some occupations such as nursing, the utility of patient survival and staff health is undervalued. WHP may miss important components of work related health risk. Altering assumptions on discounting and eliminating the drag of negative value radically change the CBA value.Simple monetization of a work life and calculation of return on workforce health investment as a simple alternate opportunity involve highly selective interpretations of productivity and utility.
| S-EPMC4562175 | biostudies-other
Project description:Corporate wellness has become an important public health priority through the designing and implementation of different workplace exercise interventions. The objectives of this study were to investigate: (a) the effectiveness of a 4-month workplace combined yoga, Pilates, and circuit strength training program (outside work shift) on health indices, functional capacity, and physical fitness in office employees; and (b) the employees' enjoyment following the program. Fifty physically active office employees (26-55 years old) were equally divided into training (TG) and control groups (CG). The TG followed a 4-month (3 times/week, 50-60 min/training) combined yoga, Pilates, and circuit strength training program. Health indices (body composition, body mass, circumferences, musculoskeletal pains), functional capacity (flexibility, balance), and physical fitness (strength, aerobic capacity) were measured before and after the 4-month time period. After the completion of the program, the TG participants' enjoyment was assessed. The TG significantly improved (p < 0.001) all health, functional capacity (11.3-82.0%), and physical fitness indices (33.9%), except for aerobic capacity, which did not change (p > 0.05). Furthermore, a great percentage of employees (84%) reported high levels of enjoyment. This program could be effectively and safely used in workplace settings as an enjoyable intervention to improve specific health, functional capacity, and physical fitness indices in office employees.
| S-EPMC10145485 | biostudies-literature
Project description:On the general labor market, social firms provide 30-50% of people with different types of disabilities the opportunity to gain employment. However, the topic of workplace health promotion (WHP), needs for improvement and accompanied challenges are neglected in the current research and were the focus of the present study. Therefore, data triangulation was used between July and December 2020 by combining three focus groups with employees (n = 14 employees) with 16 interviews with supervisors from several social firms in Northern Germany (e.g., from catering, cleaning or bicycle repair sectors). 17 semi-structured telephone interviews with experts in the field of WHP or social firms were added. All approaches were audio-taped, transcribed and anonymized. To analyze the data, Mayring's qualitative content analysis was used. The results indicated that several offers for WHP, including sport, nutrition and relaxation, were offered, as well as those on smoking cessation, cooperation with external organizations or training and education offers. Needs for improvement were stated referring to additional sport offers, support for implementing a healthy diet, offers for relaxation, financial incentives or collaborations with external organizations. A low take-up of offers; a lack of resources, structures or management support; compatibility of offers with work time and organization; challenges with available trainings or the consideration of individual needs and capacities were highlighted as challenges. Overall, there is a need for further interventional and longitudinal research on WHP in social firms.
| S-EPMC8776072 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionThe aging population emphasize the need for effective health promotion interventions. The workplace is a prioritized setting for health promotion to reach widely within a population. Body age can be used as a health-risk estimate and as a motivational tool to change health behavior. In this study we investigate body age-based intervention including motivational interview and its effect on health, when applied to real life workplace health promotion.Material and methodsBody age-based intervention was performed in 90 companies on 9851 Danish employees from 2011-2017. Metabolic risk factors were assessed, body age score was determined and an individualized motivational interview was conducted at baseline and follow-up. Change in body age score, single risk factors, smoking habits and metabolic syndrome were analyzed. The body age score is a composite score comprising 11 weighted variables. A body age score ≤ 0 is preferred, as this elicit a younger/healthier or equal body age compared to chronological age.ResultsAt 1.3 year follow-up the unhealthiest employees were less likely to participate. Within follow-up participants (39%, n = 3843) body age had improved by a decline in mean body age score of -0.6 and -0.7 years for men and women, respectively (p<0.001). Number of employees with metabolic syndrome had decreased from 646 at baseline to 557 at follow-up (p = 0.005) and 42% of smokers had quit smoking (p<0.001).ConclusionOn the basis of this study, we suggest that body age assessment motivates to participate in workplace health promotion, affect high risk behavior such as smoking thus have potential in public health promotion.
| S-EPMC7498070 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivesThe global increase in physical inactivity is progressively evolving into a significant health challenge. Alongside the promotion of more active leisure pursuits, elevating physical activity in the workplace has come into focus. Financial incentives are not only a popular but also a promising tool in this regard. According to behavioral economics, they are able to initiate physical activity and thus create the basis for behavioral change.MethodsThe present systematic review was prepared according to the current PRISMA guidelines and with reference to the Cochrane Handbook. A systematic literature search of 6 electronic databases and 3 study registers was conducted to identify relevant literature. Both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as well as non-RCTs were included. The Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool and the ROBINS-I Tool were used to assess the risk of bias of individual studies, whereas the GRADE approach was used to evaluate the quality of evidence for all studies related to physical activity outcomes. A narrative synthesis was conducted.ResultsSix studies were included in the review. Among the total of 2646 participants, the average age ranged from 35.5 to 43.3 years, and women accounted for between 48.6% and 88%. Risk of bias was rated as "high" in 3 studies, "moderate" in 2, and "low" in 1. The quality of evidence was assessed as "moderate." Four of the 6 studies reported positive effects on physical activity during the incentive period.ConclusionsWorkplace health promotion incorporating financial incentives has the potential to positively impact the physical activity levels of employees.
| S-EPMC11662443 | biostudies-literature