Point-of-Decision Signs and Stair Use in a University Worksite Setting: General Versus Specific Messages.

PURPOSE

This study tested the effectiveness of two point-of-decision signs to increase stair use and investigated message content by comparing signs with general and specific messages.

DESIGN

This study used a quasi-experimental time series design, including a 2-week baseline period: 2 weeks with a general message and 2 weeks with a specific message.

SETTING

The signs were placed in an eight-story university building.

SUBJECTS

The subjects comprised all adults entering the building. During the study, 2997 observations of stair/elevator choice were made.

INTERVENTION

A stair-prompt sign with a general message and a sign with a specific message served as the interventions.

MEASURES

Observers measured stair/elevator choice, demographics, and traffic volume.

ANALYSIS

Logistic regression analyses were employed, adjusting for covariates.

RESULTS

The specific sign intervention showed significantly increased odds of stair use compared to baseline (odds ratio [OR] = 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.46-2.84). The odds of stair use were also significantly greater with the specific sign than the general sign (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.13-2.20).

CONCLUSION

Only the specific sign significantly increased stair use. The results indicate that a specific message may be more effective at promoting stair use.