Behavioral risk factor and illness day changes with workplace health promotion: two-year results.

PURPOSE

The impact of a workplace health promotion program was evaluated to determine changes in the number and level of seven behavioral risks and self-reported illness days.

DESIGN

The study employed a pretest/posttest intervention group (N=7,178) with a two-year follow-up and a time-lagged, nonequivalent comparison group (N=7,101).

SETTING

The study population was drawn from a large manufacturing company with more than 100 United States locations.

SUBJECTS

Approximately one half of the study population was 40 years of age or older, 75% were males, 90% were white, and about 40% were hourly manufacturing employees.

INTERVENTION

The program consisted of 1) training and support of coordinators; 2) health risk appraisals; 3) on-site classes, safety meetings, and self-help options; 4) environmental changes, e.g., smoking policy, cafeteria offerings, and blood pressure machines; and 5) recognition.

MEASURES

A 38-item health appraisal included self-report of illness days and behavioral risks, as well as information from company physical examinations.

RESULTS

Both the number and the level of behavioral risk factors improved over two years. The proportion of employees with three or more risk factors decreased by 14% (p less than .001). The number of self-reported illness days in this group decreased by 12% during the same period (p less than .001). No change in illness days was observed in the group with fewer than three risk factors. Risk levels improved (range = 4.5% to 79%) for six of seven factors among high-risk individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

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