Participation In Health Promotion Programs Research Articles

Piloting a Community-Based, Culturally Adapted Health Promotion Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Disabilities in First-Generation Korean Immigrant Families.

Children with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities (ASD/DD) face barriers to participation in health promotion programs due to the lack of available and/or affordable programs and trained staff at recreation centers. Children with ASD/DD in Korean immigrant families are one of the most underserved minority groups due to language, racial/ethnic discrimination, and stigma and shame within their own ethnic community. However, little research is available on development, implementation, and evaluation of a culturally adapted community health promotion program in this population. The purpose of this study is to assess effectiveness of a pilot program for children with ASD/DD from first-generation Korean immigrant families. The pilot study used a quantitative, quasiexperimental design (one-group design with pre- and posttest) following a seven-week health promotion program. We recruited 15 children with ASD/DD, ages nine through 16, from first-generation Korean immigrant families. The findings of the study suggest that the pilot program was effective in gaining nutrition knowledge and increasing physical involvement among participants. Given the fact that Asian immigrants are a fast-growing population and that nearly 75 percent of them were born abroad, development and evaluation of a community-based, culturally adapted health promotion program is urgently needed.

Cultivating participatory approaches in health promotion planning, delivery, and evaluation: A case study of an academic-health service partnership in rural Victoria.

Community participation in planning, delivery, and evaluation of health promotion (HP) programs is a poorly explored topic. However, this approach has the potential to improve health outcomes and reduce health inequities, particularly for residents of rural and remote areas. This case study describes the outputs of an academic-health service partnership in rural Victoria. The collaboration has led to the implementation and ongoing evaluation of a microgrant program for HP which integrates community participation principles in the foundations of the program and its evaluation. To date, 10 funded projects have been brought to completion, with COVID-19 having disturbed both grant distribution and funded activity implementation. Semi-structured interviews with health service officers served to clarify conceptualisation and operationalization of HP principles. Focus groups with health service management and officers contributed to building an overarching evaluation framework for the HP team's activities. Finally, the specific methodological evaluation framework for the microgrant program was developed through a collaborative workshop with the HP team and grantees. Fostering community participation in HP planning, delivery, and evaluation, especially in rural areas, is feasible as evidenced by the experience described in this case study. The forthcoming evaluation results will help clarify the impact of community participation on health-related outcomes. SO WHAT?: Documentation and dissemination of processes used to increase community participation in HP programs is essential to grow the knowledge base around what works and what doesn't, and for whom.

A health promotion program for older adults (KABAN!): effects on health literacy, quality of life, and emotions

ABSTRACT The importance of an integrated health promotion program has been proposed in recent years. However, the traditional program with lectures might decrease the effectiveness of learning. A game-based learning program provides a supportive social environment and further increases the quality of life and positive emotions. The present study evaluates the effectiveness of the proposed game-based health promotion program, KABAN!, to enhance health literacy, positive emotions, and quality of life for older adults. The proposed intervention included physical exercises, nutritional knowledge, social interaction, cognitive training, and oral health care skills. All activities were designed based on the gamification principles and experiential learning theory. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from participants and instructors. A total of 221 older adults were randomly recruited (age: mean = 71.1, SD = 7.1) as participants. To gather feedback on program implementation, 22 experienced instructors were selected based on the criteria of leading five or more sessions. Health literacy, quality of life, and emotional states before and after participation were collected. The instructors were invited to provide constructive feedback through open-ended survey questions. Analyses revealed that health literacy levels, positive emotions, and quality of life significantly increased after participation, while negative emotions remained identical. Further investigation of qualitative data via the constant comparison method showed positive feedback on instructors’ perceived changes in participants. This study showed that participation in health promotion programs like KABAN! significantly enhanced older adults’ health literacy, quality of life, and positive emotions.

Where are all the men? A review of the barriers and facilitators to participation in health promotion interventions

A cognitive intervention study was conducted to explore methods to improve adherence to a technology-based cognitive intervention and uncover individual differences that predict adherence (N = 120). The study was divided into two phases: (1) in which participants were asked to follow a prescribed schedule of training that involved gamified neuropsychological tasks administered via a tablet, and (2), in which participants were asked to play as frequently as they wished. Positively and negatively framed messages about cognitive health were delivered via the software program, and measures of cognition, technology proficiency, self-efficacy, technology attitudes, and belief in the benefits of cognitive training were collected. We computed an aggregate measure of adherence during each of the two phases, as well as a measure of daily engagement. Across data modeling approaches, the finding was consistent: only during Phase 2, was there evidence that positively-framed messages encouraged greater adherence over negatively-framed messages. Measures of memory and self-efficacy demonstrated some, but limited, ability to predict individual differences in adherence.

Where are all the men? A review of the barriers and facilitators to participation in health promotion interventions

Research shows that men in the U.S. experience significant morbidity and earlier mortality than women and are less likely to access, interpret, and apply health information to improve their outcomes. Although evidence-based health promotion programs have proven successful at increasing healthy lifestyle behaviors and reducing morbidity among older adults, older males are still significantly less likely to enroll and sustain participation in such health interventions. While studies have shown the barriers and facilitators to older adult participation in health programs in general, it is largely unknown why older male recruitment and participation in health promotion interventions remains so low. In this poster presentation, we conducted a thorough review of the last 20 years of existing research across a variety of academic search databases to outline the barriers, facilitators, and recommendations for increasing older male participation in health promotion programs. Of 1,194 initial search results, 383 article abstracts were thoroughly screened for inclusion, and 26 articles met all inclusion criteria. Included studies were coded and analyzed using Grounded Theory and reveal that masculine gender roles, as well as program scope, environment, and gender of the instructors and other participants, were important factors for male participation. Interventions should include men in all aspects of program planning and implementation, take into account men’s existing relationships and interests to create gender-sensitive programming, and clearly delineate the benefits to participation. Lastly, the field of public health would benefit by helping to normalize men’s participation in health promotion interventions.

Participation in the Cardiovascular Health Awareness Program (CHAP) by older adults residing in social housing in Quebec: Social network analysis

BackgroundThe Cardiovascular Health Awareness Program (CHAP) is as a community-based cardiovascular disease prevention program recently adapted to target older adults living in 14 social housing buildings in Ontario (7) and Quebec (7). Social network analysis (SNA) has been used successfully to assess and strengthen participation in health promotion programs. We applied SNA methods to investigate whether interpersonal relationships among residents within buildings influenced their participation in CHAP.MethodsOur aim was to examine relational dynamics in two social housing buildings in Quebec with low and high CHAP attendance rates, respectively. We used sociometric questionnaires and network analysis for the quantitative phase of the study, supplemented by a phase of qualitative interviews. All residents of both buildings were eligible for the sociometric questionnaire. Respondents for the qualitative interviews were purposively selected to represent the different attendance situations following the principle of content saturation.ResultsIn total, 69 residents participated in the study, 37 through sociometric questionnaires and 32 in qualitative interviews. Of the latter, 10 attended almost all CHAP sessions, 10 attended once, and 12 attended none. Results of the quantitative analysis phase identified well-known and appreciated local leaders. In Building 1, which had a high attendance rate (34.3%), there was a main leader (in-degree or ‘named by others’ frequency 23.2%) who had attended all CHAP sessions. In Building 2, which had a low attendance rate (23.9%), none of the leaders had attended CHAP sessions. Results of the qualitative analysis phase showed that residents who did not attend CHAP sessions (or other activities in the building) generally preferred to avoid conflicts, vindictiveness, and gossip and did not want to get involved in clans and politics within their building.ConclusionWe identified four potential strategies to increase attendance at CHAP sessions by residents of subsidized housing for older adults: strengthen confidentiality for those attending the sessions; use community peer networks to enhance recruitment; pair attendees to increase the likelihood of participation; and intervene through opinion leaders or bridging individuals.

E-platform as an innovative approach to workplace health promotion for ageing workforce

Abstract Issue Dissatisfaction of workers with working conditions often leads to a reluctance to extend the working period. In the STAR-VITAL project, we encourage stakeholders to address the challenges of an aging workforce, prolonging work activity, maintaining health and work ability, based on the concepts of salutogenesis, healthy organization and WHO Healthy Workplaces model. Description of the Problem E-platform is an innovative approach to promote and monitor healthy lifestyles of employees and companies' management in the areas of ergonomics, stress, communication, nutrition, sleep, age management and absenteeism. The E-platform addresses the challenge of low levels of employee participation in health promotion programs offered to employees by companies. The E-platform builds upon the Customer relationship management (CRM) and brings a push approach to actively engage employees with customized campaigns to encourage behaviour change. Results As the project runs in multiple waves, we present the findings of the first group of 31 (out of 110) companies that began with the management, ergonomics, stress and nutrition campaigns. The output indicators show high participation rate of 65% - 20 companies out of 31 are actively participating in the program and high levels of user satisfaction (with a rating 4.5 out of 5). The impact of the intervention will be evaluated with the propensity score matching. The average share of readings of the received contents of all campaigns is 50%. Lessons Regardless of the potential of modern work health promotion solutions, it is very important that project contractors maintain close personal contacts and intensive communication with companies. Where such interaction has been established, there is a noticeable shift in the intensity of health promotion activities and the proportion of employees who voluntarily participate in these activities. Key messages The salutogenic push approach promises a improved impact of workplace health interventions. The E-Platform, besides informing, enables support and empowerment of workers for personal intervention and its higher impact.

Occupational health check-ups and health-promoting programs and asthma

BackgroundThe focus in occupational health check-ups is in work and health, but they offer also a possibility to assess health behavior and give guidance e.g. on weight control. We wanted to study whether having occupational health checks-up, receiving physicians’ advice to change health behavior or participation in health promotion programs had an effect on obesity in a five-year follow-up from 1998 to 2003 in asthmatic and non-asthmatic workers.MethodsAltogether 23,220 individuals aged 20–54 years were picked up from a randomized Finnish population sample. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the risk for obesity in 2003. The variables used in the modelling were gender, age, smoking, asthma, depression, and physical workload.ResultsBoth asthmatic and non-asthmatic workers gained weight during the follow-up. Of the asthmatics 48 and 47% of the non-asthmatics had occupational health-check-up in the last 5 years. Of the asthmatics 18 and 14% of the non-asthmatics had received physician’s advice to change their health behavior (p < 0.001). Associated factors for obesity (BMI > 30) in 2003 were gender (men OR 1.19), older age (OR 1.25), smoking (OR 1.07) or depression (OR 1.44).ConclusionsResults show that having occupational health checks-up or receiving physicians’ advice to change health behavior or participation in health promotion programs did not stop gain of weight during a five-year follow-up. Asthmatic workers did not differ from non-asthmatics. Male gender, older age, smoking, and depression were associated with obesity but not the physical workload.

The Association Between School Health Promotion Programs and School Wellness Policies

ObjectiveDetermine school wellness policy quality and evaluate the association between health promotion programs on school wellness policy quality. MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study of 344 school districts in Oklahoma, a south-central region of the US. Secondary data including school districts’ participation in health promotion programs for school years 2015 and 2016 and school wellness policy scores were used for this study. Descriptive statistics and Cohen d were used in the analysis. ResultsSchool wellness policies had a mean comprehensiveness score of 43.7% and a mean strength score of 21.8%. The presence of ≥3 health promotion programs had a small effect (Cohen d range = 0.20 to 0.48) on school wellness policy scores. Conclusions and ImplicationsSchool wellness policies have room for improvement in both comprehensiveness and strength. Engagement in ≥3 health promotion programs may contribute to improved policy quality.

Influence of participation in multiple school-based health promotion programmes on students’ health

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of experiencing diverse, multi-dimensional health promotion programmes in school on students’ self-reported health status. Design: Cross-sectional design. Methods: We surveyed 2,568 students from 15 middle schools and 15 high schools in Korea between August 2014 and January 2015. Self-reported information related to health status, attendance at physical, social, mental or spiritual health promotion programmes, and socio-demographics was collected and analysed. Results: Male students, students aged 15 and below, and students living in rural areas were more satisfied with their health status. Regardless of programme type, the number of health promotion programmes attended correlated positively with better overall health status ( p &lt; .001–.032). Attending physical health promotion programmes was significantly associated with physical, mental, spiritual and overall health (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.28–1.40). Attending mental health programmes was significantly related to all aspects of health status (aOR = 1.49–2.17), and participating in social health programmes was significantly related to all aspects of health status except physical and social health (aOR = 1.36–1.67). Participation in spiritual health programmes was related to spiritual and overall health (aOR = 1.33, 1.58). In hierarchical regression analyses, health promotion programme attendance was independently associated with subjective health status after controlling for differences between schools. Conclusion: Participation in health promotion programmes was found to be related not only to the targeted health status but also to other aspects of subjective health.

A Group Randomized Trial to Reduce Obesity among Appalachian Church Members: The Walk by Faith Study.

Background: Appalachia is a rural, socioeconomically disadvantaged region with high rates of cancer and obesity. Using community-based participatory research principles, the Appalachia Community Cancer Network tested an initiative to reduce weight among overweight and obese participants by partnering with churches, an important community-based institution in Appalachia.Methods: A group randomized trial was conducted with counties or groups of counties in five Appalachian states. These groups were randomly assigned to receive either monthly diet and exercise education sessions ("Walk by Faith"; WbF) or an educational program focused on cancer screening and education ("Ribbons of Faith"; RoF) to examine effects on weight change. Participants completed questionnaires and biometric measurements at baseline and 12 months. The primary outcome of the study was weight change from baseline to 12 months.Results: The relative difference in weight loss from baseline to 12 months for WbF compared with RoF was 1.4% but was not statistically significant (P = 0.13). However, results varied by sex and marital status. WbF men experienced a significant 2.8% decrease in body weight, married WbF women a 1.5% decrease, and unmarried WbF women a 1.5% increase compared with their respective RoF subgroups (interaction P = 0.016). Among WbF participants, greater participation in monthly educational sessions was associated with greater weight loss (P = 0.002).Conclusions: WbF facilitated weight loss mainly in male participants. Level of participation in WbF activities correlated with weight loss.Impact: Findings suggest that additional research is needed to better understand factors associated with participation in health promotion programs for underserved rural communities. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(11); 1289-97. ©2018 AACR.

P144 - Quality of School Wellness Policies may not Reflect Participation in Health Promotion Programs

P144 - Quality of School Wellness Policies may not Reflect Participation in Health Promotion Programs

Using Social Network Analysis as a Method to Assess and Strengthen Participation in Health Promotion Programs in Vulnerable Areas.

This article provides an example of the application of social network analysis method to assess community participation thereby strengthening planning and implementation of health promotion programming. Community health promotion often takes the form of services that reach out to or are located within communities. The concept of community reflects the idea that people's behavior and well-being are influenced by interaction with others, and here, health promotion requires participation and local leadership to facilitate transmission and uptake of interventions for the overall community to achieve social change. However, considerable uncertainty exists over exact levels of participation in these interventions. The article draws on a mixed methods research within a community development project in a vulnerable neighborhood of a town in Denmark. It presents a detailed analysis of the way in which social network analysis can be used as a tool to display participation and nonparticipation in community development and health promotion activities, to help identify capacities and assets, mobilize resources, and finally to evaluate the achievements. The article concludes that identification of interpersonal ties among people who know one another well as well as more tenuous relationships in networks can be used by community development workers to foster greater cohesion and cooperation within an area.

지역주민 참여에 영향을 미치는 건강증진사업 지원요인 -일개 광역시 일 만보 걷기사업을 중심으로-

본 연구는 지역사회 건강증진사업에서 주민참여에 영향을 미치는 사업지원요인을 규명하기 위한 서술적 연구이다. B시에서 주최한 3개월간 일만보 걷기사업을 중도에 포기하지 않고 끝까지 참여한 지역주민 418명을 대상으로 하였다. 자료는 자기보고식 설문지를 이용하여 수집하였고, T검정과 분산분석, 다중회귀분석으로 분석하였다. 사업 참여자 중 물리적 지원(만보기(p<.001), 걷기기록장(p<.001), 실천저금통(p=.002))을 이용하거나, 정보적 지원(걷기교육, 주민리더교육)에 참여하거나(p<.001), 촉진행사 및 모임(보건소별 걷기모임)에 참여횟수가 많거나(p<.001), 파트너십(걷기 동아리에 소속된 경우)에 따라서(p<.001) 걷기 참여일수는 통계적으로 유의한 차이가 있었다. 또한 걷기 기록장 사용, 동아리 소속이 걷기 참여의 유의한 영향요인으로 나타났다. 따라서 추후 건강증진 사업운영 시 참여자의 건강증진 행위실천을 돕기 위한 물품을 지원하고 파트너십을 구축(모임, 동아리) 하는 등 주민참여 향상을 위한 다양한 정책전략이 필요하다. This study aimed at examining the factors affecting citizen engagement in community health promotion program that a local government offered for residents. A descriptive study was conducted with a sample of 418 participants who completed 10,000-Step Walking Program, sponsored by the local government of B city. Data were collected, using a self-reported questionnaire, and analyzed with statistical methods, including T-test, ANOVA, and multiple regression. There were significantly different in the number of participation days in the program by material support(pace counter(p<.001), exercise notebook(p<.001), piggy bank((p=.002)), informational support(Walking training, leadership training)(p<.001), promotion events and meetings, and membership of exercise club(p<.001). Using exercise notebook(p<.001) and exercise club membership(p<.001)) were the supporting factors affecting citizen engagement in the walking program. This research shows that various political plans for providing material and social supports including walking activity aids, community club forming are needed to encouraging citizens' participation in health promotion programs.

Physical activity and screen use policy and practices in childcare: results from a survey of early childhood education services in New Zealand

ObjectiveTo investigate written policies, equipment, strategies and barriers to children's activity in early childhood education settings, including participation in health promotion programs and reported time children spend in active play and using screens while in care. MethodsCross‐sectional online survey of licensed childcare services in Auckland and Waikato. Policies were scored using a validated tool (WellCCAT‐NZ). Results were analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate regression. ResultsManagers, head teachers or similar from 237 services completed the survey (28% of invited services). Of these, 35% had a written activity policy; most policies scored low on the WellCCAT‐NZ. Comprehensive and strongly worded policies were associated with a lower adult‐to‐child ratio (p=0.03, adjusted for ECE characteristics). No policies addressed screen use. Children were reported to have teacher‐led activity 80 minutes/day, and child‐led activity five hours/day (indoor and outdoor). Children watched television daily in 2% and weekly in 11% the services; and used computers daily in 11% and weekly in 22% of services. Fewer than half of services participated in health promotion programs with a physical activity component. ConclusionsChildcare services reported having adequate equipment, space and time for physical activity of children; however, there are low participation rates in activity programs and a notable absence of written policy.

Differences in health promotion program participation, barriers and physical activity among faculty, staff and administration at a university worksite

Purpose – Health promotion programs (HPPs) are increasingly prevalent at universities due to the numerous documented benefits in other various work environments. However, universities are unique work environments with various job duties and responsibilities. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine differences in participation in university HPPs among faculty, staff and administration. Further, barriers to participation were examined as well as an analysis of those meeting weekly physical activity (PA) recommendations. Design/methodology/approach – An electronic survey was sent to all employees at a large, metropolitan university (n=3,603), that inquired about participation in the university HPP in the last six months and their perceived barriers to participation. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess PA amount, and thus, if the employee was meeting the weekly PA recommendations was determined. Findings – Results (n=308) indicated a difference in HPP participation rates between all three job classifications (χ2: p &lt; 0.001; staff highest, faculty lowest). Unique barriers were identified for each job classification such as time constraints, following their own exercise program, and schedule conflicts. Results also indicated a difference in those meeting PA recommendations (χ2: p &lt; 0.001; faculty highest, staff lowest). Originality/value – The results of this study suggest that to maximize effectiveness of university HPPs, administrators should recognize the differences in barriers to participation among different classifications of university employees; specific needs per job classification should also be considered. By taking these types of factors into consideration when planning, university HPPs can target specific employees with evidence-based communications and strategies for optimal participation, effectiveness and outcomes.

Impacts of Workplace Health Promotion and Wellness Programs on Health Care Utilization and Costs: Results From an Academic Workplace.

This study evaluated the impacts of a long-standing workplace health promotion (HP) program on health care utilization and costs and estimated return on investment (ROI). Analyses used a retrospective, observational cohort design based on 7 years (2005 to 2011) of health claims and HP program participation data for 3829 HP participants and 6617 controls. Inverse propensity score-weighted mixed-model regression methods were used to balance employee demographics and comorbidities by study arm. Mean monthly health care costs were $35 less for HP participants compared with controls, and results were robust based on sensitivity analyses. ROI was estimated to be $2.53 for every dollar spent on the HP program. Results support a positive impact of HP program participation with regard to reduced health care utilization and costs and a positive ROI.

The dietary profile of socially vulnerable participants in health promotion programs in a brazilian metropolis.

To analyze the dietary profile of participants who used two health promotion services located in socially vulnerable areas in a Brazilian metropolis. A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted with participants (n = 370) aged ≥ 20 years who joined two services of the Academias da Cidade program in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The study participants engaged in physical activity and nutritional education actions directed by the services from 2009 to 2010. The sociodemographic and economic conditions and health and nutrition profiles of each individual were assessed. Participants from a high social-risk who used the service did not demonstrate adequate intake of vegetables (54.6 versus 43.6%; p = 0.038), sweets (33.5 versus 23.2%; p = 0.030), soft drinks (28.5 versus 11.9%; p < 0.001), artificial juice (34.7 versus 22.6%; p = 0.011), and processed meat (48.8 versus 32.7; p = 0.002). However, in the other service, lower social vulnerability, a higher prevalence of abdominal adiposity (60.7 versus 43.0%; p = 0.004) and consumption of high-fat meat products (53.0 versus 36.5%; p = 0.002) was observed. Participants who used both services demonstrated inadequate food intake compatible with the development of chronic disease profiles. However, the participants in each service were distinct from each other. This suggests that promotion of healthy eating should to contemplate the territory and its interface with people health.

Differences in Participation in University Worksite Health Promotion Programs and Physical Activity Between Faculty, Staff and Administration

Despite the numerous documented benefits of worksite health promotion programs (HPPs), participation rates are traditionally low. These low participation rates are due in part to perceived barriers. Barriers to use of HPPs and exercise have been a well-studied topic within the last two decades. However, fewer studies have focused on barriers to participation in HPPs among university employees. The differences in roles and responsibilities on a university campus warrant a more thorough examination of barriers among job classifications. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine differences in participation in university health promotion programs (HPPs) among faculty, staff and administration. Further, barriers to participation were examined as well as an analysis of those meeting weekly physical activity (PA) recommendations. METHODS: An electronic survey was sent to all employees at a metropolitan university (n=3603) which inquired about participation in the University HPP, physical activity and perceived barriers to participation. A Chi-square Test of Independence was performed for HPP participation and physical activity amounts between groups, and qualitative themes were identified for perceived barriers. RESULTS: Results (n=308) indicated a difference in participation rates (χ2: p<0.001) among faculty, staff and administration, as well as those meeting PA recommendations between job classifications (χ2: p<0.001). Unique barriers were identified for each job classification. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that HPP administrators should recognize the differences in barriers to participation among university employees in order to maximize HPP participation.

How needs and preferences of employees influence participation in health promotion programs: a six-month follow-up study.

BackgroundLow participation in health promotion programs (HPPs) might hamper their effectiveness. A potential reason for low participation is disagreement between needs and preferences of potential participants and the actual HPPs offered. This study aimed to investigate employees’ need and preferences for HPPs, whether these are matched by what their employers provide, and whether a higher agreement enhanced participation.MethodsEmployees of two organizations participated in a six-month follow-up study (n = 738). At baseline, information was collected on employees’ needs and preferences for the topic of the HPP (i.e. physical activity, healthy nutrition, smoking cessation, stress management, general health), whether they favored a HPP via their employer or at their own discretion, and their preferred HPP regarding three components with each two alternatives: mode of delivery (individual vs. group), intensity (single vs. multiple meetings), and content (assignments vs. information). Participation in HPPs was assessed at six-month follow-up. In consultation with occupational health managers (n = 2), information was gathered on the HPPs the employers provided. The level of agreement between preferred and provided HPPs was calculated (range: 0–1) and its influence on participation was studied using logistic regression analyses.ResultsMost employees reported needing a HPP addressing physical activity (55%) and most employees preferred HPPs organized via their employer. The mean level of agreement between the preferred and offered HPPs ranged from 0.71 for mode of delivery to 0.84 for intensity, and was 0.47 for all three HPP components within a topic combined. Employees with a higher agreement on mode of delivery (OR: 1.72, 95% CI: 0.87-3.39) and all HPP components combined (OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 0.68-8.17) seemed to be more likely to participate in HPPs, but due to low participation these associations were not statistically significant.ConclusionHPPs aimed at physical activity were most needed by employees. The majority of employees favor HPPs organized via the employer above those at their own discretion, supporting the provision of HPPs at the workplace. This study provides some indications that a higher agreement between employees’ needs and preferences and HPPs made available by their employers will enhance participation.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2458-14-1277) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.