C-A1-02: Evaluating Kaiser Permanente Georgia's Worksite Wellness Programs in the Atlanta Area

Abstract

Background/Aims: There are few prospective evaluations of the effectiveness of worksite wellness programs in achieving improved lifestyle and health. Our study has two objectives: to assess the cross-sectional associations of biometric status, lifestyle, and health obtained at a wellness program’s enrollment session, and to assess changes in biometric status, lifestyle, and health between the enrollment and 6-month disenrollment sessions. Methods: For this prospective cohort study, participants were recruited from Kaiser Permanente Georgia (KPG) subscribers who were employed at a mid-sized private employer group. Participants completed a biometric assessment and written survey. The biometric measures included height, weight, blood pressure, hip/waist ratio, and total cholesterol. The written survey included measures of: health (SF-12), patient activation (PAM-13), leisure physical activity (BRFSS), food screeners (Block), and work presenteeism (SPS-6) and absenteeism. Over the next 6 months, participants will attend seminars on exercise, weight loss, and healthy cooking and eating. The biometric assessment and survey be repeated in February 2010. Results: Of the 63 eligible KPG subscribers, 60 (41 females and 19 males) consented to participate. Participant ages ranged from 28–77 years. Overall, physical and emotional health, activation, leisure physical activity, dietary intake, and BMI were comparable to results obtained among relatively healthy, low risk working age adults in a 2005 survey of KPG subscribers in large group employers. Total cholesterol was significantly (p<0.05), positively associated with percent fat in diet; and, percent fat in diet was significantly, inversely associated with activation. Participants with 1 or more days absent from work in the most recent 4-week period reported significantly higher total cholesterol and percent fat in diet and significantly lower activation. Participants with high levels of presenteeism were significantly less likely to report leisure physical activity at the recommended level. Conclusions: The initial results indicate that improving levels of activation (improved self-efficacy, motivation to pursue a healthy lifestyle and adhere to recommended care) might improve dietary intake (thereby reducing fat intake and cholesterol levels) and decrease BMI. The final wellness program evaluation will indicate how much change in these measures might occur in a relatively healthy group of working age adults.