Increasing low income employee participation in a worksite health promotion program: a comparison of three common strategies

Abstract

The relative effectiveness of three common strategies to increase participation in worksite health promotion programs was assessed. The interventions, designed for low income employees, were (1) written information, (2) written information and an informational meeting, and (3) written information, an information meeting and a group contest Thirty teams of low income employees were randomly allocated to receive one of the three interventions. Participation was measured at baseline and at follow-up. Team participation did not vary by strategy but individual participation was more likely for those offered the contest than for those provided only written information or written information and a meeting. Even under the most intensive recruitment condition, however, few teams and housekeepers participated in the health promotion program. Interviews were conducted with housekeepers to obtain reasons for participation and non-participation, and to identify suggestions for facilitating participation.