Workplace Health Promotion Programs Research Articles

Promoting physical activity-related health competence to increase leisure-time physical activity and health-related quality of life in German private sector office workers

BackgroundOffice workers (OWs) are at risk of low levels of health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Interventions based on physical activity-related health competence (PAHCO) aim to facilitate long-term changes in HEPA and HRQOL. However, these assumptions rely on the changeability and temporal stability of PAHCO and have not been tested empirically. This study therefore aims to test the changeability and temporal stability of PAHCO in OWs within an interventional design and to examine the effect of PAHCO on leisure-time PA and HRQOL.MethodsThree hundred twenty-eight OWs (34% female, 50.4 ± 6.4 years) completed an in-person, three-week workplace health promotion program (WHPP) focusing on PAHCO and HEPA. The primary outcome of PAHCO as well as the secondary outcomes of leisure-time PA and HRQOL were examined at four measurement points over the course of 18 months in a pre-post design by employing linear mixed model regressions.ResultsPAHCO displayed a substantial increase from the baseline to the time point after completion of the WHPP (β = 0.44, p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was no decrease in PAHCO at the first (p = 0.14) and the second follow-up measurement (p = 0.56) compared with the level at the end of the WHPP. In addition, the PAHCO subscale of PA-specific self-regulation (PASR) had a small to moderate, positive effect on leisure-time PA (β = 0.18, p < 0.001) and HRQOL (β = 0.26, p < 0.001). The subscale of control competence for physical training (CCPT) also had a positive small to moderate effect on HRQOL (β = 0.22, p < 0.001).ConclusionThe results substantiate PAHCO’s theoretical characteristics of changeability and temporal stability, and underline the theoretically postulated effects on leisure-time PA and HRQOL. These findings highlight the potential of PAHCO for intervention development, which can be assumed to foster long-term improvements in HEPA and HRQOL in OWs.Trial registrationThe study was retrospectively registered in the German Clinical Trials Register, which is an approved Primary Register in the WHO network, at the 14/10/2022 (DRKS00030514).

Abstract P213: A Behavioral Economics Workplace Healthy Eating Intervention Similarly Benefits Employees With and Without Chronic Disease Risk

Introduction: Workplace interventions using behavioral economics approaches may provide low-cost opportunities for promoting healthy lifestyle. It is unknown if employees at higher chronic disease risk are more likely to benefit from workplace health promotion programs than employees at lower risk. This analysis assessed the differential effect of a 12-month behavioral workplace healthy eating intervention on improving dietary choices of employees’ with and without chronic disease risk. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that the intervention effect on cafeteria food purchases and diet quality would be stronger among employees with chronic disease risk compared to those without. Methods: This was a secondary data analysis of the ChooseWell 365 RCT conducted among hospital employees to test the effect of personalized feedback, peer comparisons, and financial incentives on improving cafeteria purchases, dietary intake, and weight. All hospital cafeterias used traffic-light food labeling. Published main results showed an intervention effect on cafeteria purchases but not overall diet quality or weight change. Diet quality was calculated from dietary recalls and measured via the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015), scored 0-100 (healthiest). Healthy purchasing scores (HPS) were calculated for each participant, weighting purchases’ color categories (red=0, yellow=0.5, green=1), scaled from 0-100 (healthiest). HEI-2015 and HPS were calculated at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months. Participants were classified as having chronic disease risk if they self-reported hypertension, hyperlipidemia, heart disease, stroke, pre-diabetes, diabetes, cancer or another serious illness at baseline. Mixed models with random effects were used to compare dietary changes by study arm and risk categorization adjusted for body mass index, age, and race. Results: Participants (N=562) were mostly female (80.3%) and white (81.1%) with a median (p25, p75) age of 42 (33, 55) years; 38.1% reported at least one chronic disease risk condition. There was no differential intervention effect on HPS at any timepoint by chronic disease risk (all p-interaction&gt;0.05): Among those with chronic disease risk, intervention participants increased HPS (unadjusted mean [SD]) from baseline through 24 months (68 [13] to 74 [13]) compared to control (68 [14] to 68 [16]). This was similar to the difference between intervention (67 [12] to 72 [13]) and control participants (69 [12] to 72 [12]) without risk. There was no differential intervention effect on HEI by chronic disease risk (all p-interaction&gt;0.05). Conclusions: The ChooseWell 365 behavioral intervention improved the healthfulness of cafeteria purchases of employees with and without chronic disease risk, suggesting that workplace health promotion programs can improve lifestyle behaviors that contribute to both the prevention and treatment of chronic disease.

The Feasibility of a Text-Messaging Intervention Promoting Physical Activity in Shift Workers: A Process Evaluation

Workplace health promotion programs (WHPPs) can improve shift workers' physical activity. The purpose of this paper is to present the process evaluation of a text messaging health promotion intervention for mining shift workers during a 24-day shift cycle. Data collected from intervention participants with a logbook (n = 25) throughout the intervention, exit interviews (n = 7) and online surveys (n = 17) examined the WHPP using the RE-AIM (Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance) framework. The program reached 66% of workers across three departments, with 15% of participants dropping out. The program showed the potential to be adopted if the recruitment strategies are improved to reach more employees, especially when involving work managers for recruitment. A few changes were made to the program, and participant adherence was high. Facilitators to adopt and implement the health promotion program included the use of text messaging to improve physical activity, feedback on behaviour, and providing incentives. Work-related fatigue was reported as a barrier to implementing the program. Participants reported that they would recommend the program to other workers and use the Mi fitness band to continue monitoring and improving their health behaviour. This study showed that shift workers were optimistic about health promotion. Allowing for long-term evaluation and involving the company management to determine scale-up should be considered for future programs.

Férfi fizikai dolgozók testösszetételének jellemzői: középpontban az életkor

Morbidity and mortality statistics show a shift in the morbidity structure in Hungary. Those diseases have become increasingly common that are related to lifestyle. Detecting health risk factors across different age, gender and other groups is therefore a priority. The purpose of the study is to present anthropometric variables related to the health status of male physical workers by age groups and to identify critical age stages. Male manual workers (n = 179) were recruited on a voluntary basis. Body composition was assessed using the Inbody 720 instrument. Measured and calculated characteristics included body mass index, relative muscle and fat mass, waist-to-hip ratio and visceral fat. The age dependence of the variables is presented by linear regression analysis, and the relationship between variables was characterized by correlation coefficients. A significant number of anthropometric variables are not within the healthy range. All of the variables show age dependence, but no critical age or age range could be identified. The relationship between the anthropometric methods is significant. A large number of male manual workers, regardless of age, can be identified as having a body composition that poses a clear health risk. Complex workplace health promotion programs should be launched to reduce the risk. These should include active and health-conscious lifestyles for all age groups. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(3): 96-103.

Age Influences on Lifestyle and Stress Perception in the Working Population.

Workplace health promotion programs and services offered by insurers may play a fundamental role to foster health/well-being and to prevent chronic diseases. To this end, they should be tailored to companies/employees’ requirements and characteristics. In particular, age needs to be taken into account, considering both that young age workers are generally healthy, and that young age is the best period in lifespan to address prevention and instilling healthy behaviors. We employed an anonymous, simple web-based questionnaire (filled out by 1305 employees) which furnishes data regarding lifestyle (nutrition, exercise, smoking, stress, sleep, etc.), some of which were used to build a unique descriptor (Lifestyle Index; 0−100 higher scores being healthier). We considered three subgroups accordingly to age: ≤30; between 30 and 50; >50 years. This study showed age influences lifestyle and stress perception in the working population: the youngest employees (both men and women) presented the worst lifestyle index, particularly in its stress component. This observation may potentially be useful to tailor workplace health promotion programs and to personalize insurance protocols and services offered to employees. The practical message of our study is that in healthy young people focusing only on medical parameters (frequently within normal ranges in this cohort), albeit important, may be not sufficient to foster proactive actions to prevent chronic non-communicable diseases in adult life. Vice versa, driving their attention on current behaviors might elicit their proactive role to improve lifestyle, getting immediate advantages such as well-being improvement and the possibility to best manage stress.

Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of workplace health promotion programs: Employers' perceptions.

Workplace health promotion programs (WHPPs) can benefit the lifestyle and health of employees. However, not all WHPPs have been successful in their implementation, and thus their effectiveness. This study aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators to implementing an integrated WHPP, which targets multiple lifestyle factors at different levels (individual and organizational), from an employer's perspective. Data were collected by two online focus groups among 18 representatives of eight different organizations. Data from the focus group discussions were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Data were coded both inductively and deductively, using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) consisting of the following five domains: (1) intervention characteristics, (2) outer setting, (3) inner setting, (4) characteristics of individuals, and (5) process. Ratings were performed to indicate the positive or negative influence and strength of a construct regarding the implementation of WHPPs. Barriers and facilitators in all domains of the CFIR were found. Regarding characteristics of the WHPP, complexity and costs hindered implementation, while high adaptability facilitated it. An organization that met the needs of employees (the outer setting) facilitated implementation. Available resources, access to knowledge, leadership involvement, and continuity of communication were facilitators within the inner setting. Barriers were different approaches to implementation within one organization and the perceived interference with employees' lives. For the implementation process, the involvement of key stakeholders, including employees, was identified as an important facilitator. Various barriers and facilitators in different domains play a role in the implementation of integrated WHPPs, according to employers. Strategies that tackle the identified barriers and incorporate the facilitators will likely contribute to the successful implementation of integrated WHPPs.

Moderated mediation analysis of presenteeism and workplace health promotion program between emotional exhaustion and turnover intention among nurses

This study examines the association between emotional exhaustion and turnover intention; explore the role of sickness presenteeism in explaining this association and how organizational resources such as perceived workplace health promotion program moderate this relationship among nurses. The cross-sectional research design was used. Samples were made up of 212 nurses purposively drawn from state government hospitals in Osun State, Nigeria. The respondents age range between 18 and 61 years (M = 35.8, SD = 10.6). Four standardized psychological were used to collect data from the respondents which were analysed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Results revealed that emotional exhaustion positively predicts turnover intention (B=.348, t = 5.111, p < .05) and indirectly through sickness presenteeism (B = .189, C.I (.109,.292). Furthermore, sickness presenteeism was found to be positively related to turnover intention (B = .334, t = 6.537, p < .05) and this relationship was moderated by perceived workplace health promotion program (B = −0.168, t = −2.796. p < .05). The study concludes that organizational resources like workplace health promotion program serve as a mechanism by which the negative effect of job demands on work outcomes can be minimized.

Usage of a workplace health promotion app: an evaluation of app usage data and medical check-up results.

Smartphone applications (apps) have been used and evaluated in the context of workplace health promotion (WHP) programs. However, there is a lack of studies analyzing actual app usage data and measuring changes in medical markers to evaluate the effectiveness of WHP apps in terms of health improvements in practice. In this study, we evaluated data from 555 employees of an IT company who participated in a WHP program over the course of one year. Participants of the program received a medical check-up as well as a health app to understand their medical results and receive advice for a healthier lifestyle. In addition, 99 of these employees underwent a follow-up medical check-up. It was found that the smartphone app for healthy lifestyle promotion in combination with onsite medical check-ups was effective in improving various health indicators, for example, BMI, body fat, blood pressure and triglycerides. The study further identified influence factors for sustained app usage, and analyzed different usage behaviors among gender and age groups.

The Relationship Between Psychological Distress of Nursing Faculty With Burnout.

Approximately 83% of U.S. workers suffer from work-related stress. Burnout affects approximately 38% of nurses and nurse faculty per year. Contributing factors, including growing levels of mental health issues, can be seen among nursing faculty, leading to more and more nurses leaving nursing academia. This study objective aimed to identify associations between psychological distress with burnout in nursing faculty teaching in an undergraduate nursing program. A quantitative design was utilized using a descriptive method with a convenience sample of nursing faculty (n = 150) from the Southeastern United States The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was correlated with the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory. Regression analysis was used to analyze the data. Psychological distress was reported in 25% of the sample. Burnout was reported in 94% of the sample. Psychological distress and burnout were significantly correlated (p < .05). Race, gender, and age (p < .05) contributed to psychological distress. Interventions promoting healthy mental well-being among nursing faculty are needed to address issues related to increasing rates of burnout and psychological distress. Implementation of workplace health promotion programs, increased mentorship, inclusion of diversity within nursing academia, and mental health awareness can improve mental health outcomes among nursing faculty. Further research is needed to explore the improvement of mental well-being among nursing faculty.

Food Literacy and Dietary Intake in German Office Workers: A Longitudinal Intervention Study.

Widespread patterns of poor dietary behavior are a key factor causing the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases around the world. Research has provided initial insights into the potential of food literacy (FL) to empower individuals to improve their dietary behavior. However, studies on FL interventions in working adults are scarce. The intervention delivered in this study was a comprehensive 3-week full time education-based workplace health promotion program (WHPP) that provided the participants with in-depth knowledge and skills regarding nutrition and health. We aimed to investigate the short- and long-term effects of the WHPP on FL and dietary intake (DI) and to examine the association between FL and DI in a sample of 144 German office workers (30.0% female). Using two random intercept mixed linear regression models, we found significant strong improvements for both FL (β = 0.52, p < 0.0001) and DI (β = 0.63, p < 0.0001) after the WHPP when compared to baseline. Significant long-term improvements at 18 months were strong for FL (β = 0.55, p < 0.0001) and weak for DI (β = 0.10, p < 0.0001). FL showed a significant moderate effect on DI across all measurement time points (β = 0.24, p < 0.0001). We conclude that well-designed WHPPs can induce long-term improvements in FL and DI, and that FL can be viewed as an asset to further expand food-related knowledge and skills and to enhance dietary behavior. Our study fills a gap of long-term findings regarding the role of FL in WHPPs and supports the idea of implementing FL in the development of comprehensive WHPPs to improve DI.

Barriers and facilitators for participation in workplace health promotion programs: results from peer-to-peer interviews among employees

ObjectiveWorkplace health promotion programs (WHPPs) have shown to be effective in improving lifestyle behaviors of employees. Despite potential benefits for employees, participation rates are generally low. The aim of this study was to gain deeper insight into barriers and facilitators for participation in WHPPs prior to implementation according to employees.MethodsPeer-to-peer interviewing, a method derived from citizen science, was used to actively involve employees in the data collection. Employees working in the cleaning-, ICT- and facility-sector were trained to interview their co-workers. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was performed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), complemented with the constructs ‘interpersonal factors’ and ‘intrapersonal factors’ from the social ecological model. Data were coded deductively and inductively, and rated by two researchers independently.ResultsFourteen peer-interviewers conducted 62 peer-to-peer interviews. Main barriers for participation in WHPPs were an unsupportive organizational culture where lifestyle is not a common topic and programs that are not tailored to their needs. Support from peers and supervisors were facilitators. The availability of organizational resources, such as facilities and financial compensation, support participation.ConclusionsTo enhance participation of employees in WHPPs it is recommended to take into account the barriers and facilitators identified in this study. For instance, employees should be involved in the development and implementation of WHPPS by the employer and their needs and available resources should be taken into account. This may lead to more successful implementation and higher participation rates in future WHPPs.

Factors Associated with Standing Desk Use in the Workplace: Implications for Workplace Health Promotion Programs and Interventions

The purpose of this study was to explore what sociodemographic, psychosocial, and behavioral factors were associated with standing desk use in the workplace among full-time non-instructional staff at a large, public university in the south-central United States. Data were collected using an online survey in Spring 2019 that contained items to assess sociodemographic variables, psychosocial factors, physical activity, and standing desk use. Participants (n = 381) were predominantly female (79.1%), white (91.7%), and 23.9% used a standing desk. In the binary logistic regression model, sedentary behavior awareness (OR = 1.11; 95% CI:1.04,1.18), self-efficacy (OR = 1.06; 95%CI:1.03,1.10), and salaried staff classification (OR = 1.99; 95%CI:1.19,3.34) were significantly associated with standing desk use (R2 = 0.16; p < .001). Findings from this study not only identify important psychosocial factors that may be targeted in future standing desk-based interventions but also highlight specific subgroups of employees that should be targeted in intervention recruitment.

Workplace health promotion programs for employees in long-term care facilities - a systematic review

Abstract Background Employees in long-term care facilities (LTC) are exposed to physically and mentally demanding workloads. Due to the specific working conditions and processes in LTC, recent literature recommends that care setting-specific health promotion is required. The objective was to systematically review the current evidence of workplace health promotion programs among employees in LTC. Methods A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 Statement. The literature search was applied in the online databases PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and APA PsycArticles (Jan 2000 - Feb 2022). Studies were included if (1) participants worked in any occupational setting in LTC, (2) personal health and outcomes related to occupational health were measured as primary outcome, and (3) studies were randomized controlled trials. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool (RoB 2). Results The literature search yielded 23.007 articles, resulting in 24 included studies and 21 unique interventions with a total of 6.625 participants at baseline. Most participants were female (85.2% to 100%). Interventions were grouped into person-directed (n = 4), person/work interface-directed (n = 10), work-directed (n = 0), and combined approaches (n = 7). Of these studies, two studies (2/4) using a person-directed approach, four studies (4/10) using a person/work interface-directed approach, and four studies (4/7) using a combined approach demonstrated significant improvements in personal health-related outcomes and occupational health-related outcomes. Methodological quality can be rated as some concerns. Conclusions Interventions that incorporate a combination of intervention approaches appear promising for improving health and work-related outcomes among employees in LTC. There is a lack of evidence for only work-directed approaches to health promotion in LTC. High-level quality studies are still needed. Key messages • Combined intervention approaches to workplace health promotion in long-term care facility settings appear to be beneficial. • High-level quality studies on workplace health promotion in long-term care facilities are still needed.

Evaluation of a nonrandomized workplace health promotion program in a Spanish multinational company and its effects on cardiovascular risk factors and weight-related outcomes

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a global health promotion intervention in the workplace on cardiovascular risk factors and weight-related outcomes in offices workers after two years. Methods: This nonrandomized retrospective observational study analyzed data of two medical check-up of 728 office workers, over 40 years old: intervention group (376) and control (352) at baseline and after 2 years of a global health promotion program (based on nutrition, physical activity, and mental health) of mixed approach (individual, group and organizational) in the workplace of the intervention group. Results: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure experienced a statistically significant decrease (p ˂ 0.05) at 2 years of -0.94 mm Hg and -0.79 mm Hg in the intervention group versus the control group whose changes were + 0.02 mm Hg and -0.38 mm Hg. Glucose also decreased 1.59 mg/dl more in the intervention group. Lipids, smoking, body mass index or waist circumference did not undergo relevant modifications. Conclusion: This program improved blood pressure and glucose of office workers after two year follow-up, even among employees with low cardiovascular risk. However, according to the findings, this intervention was not as effective as expected in improving weight-related outcomes and cardiovascular risk in an office worker population. Companies should strengthen, not only an overall health intervention, but also individual and personalized advice in the fight against cardiovascular risk.

A novel behavioral science-based health checkup program and subsequent metabolic risk reductions in a workplace: Checkup championship

The effectiveness of general health checkups and lifestyle counseling has been questioned. This study examined whether a workplace health promotion program implemented during a health checkup was associated with metabolic syndrome-related indicators. Hakuhodo DY group, one of Japan's largest advertising agencies, implemented a behavioral science-based program called “Checkup Championship” (Kenshin-sen in Japanese) in 2019, in which all employees could voluntarily participate. We studied 3697 employees (2818 men and 879 women, mean age: 40.7 years), consisting of 1509 program participants and 2188 non-participants. The characteristics of participants and non-participants were balanced using inverse probability weighting. We used their data from the health checkups in 2018 and 2019 together with other covariates and performed a difference-in-differences analysis using a linear mixed model. After program implementation, greater reductions were observed among participants compared with non-participants in weight (−0.66 kg, 95% confidence interval: −0.84 to −0.47), body mass index (−0.23 kg/m2, −0.29 to −0.16), waist circumference (−0.67 cm, −0.91 to −0.43), systolic blood pressure (−1.13 mmHg, −2.10 to −0.16), and diastolic blood pressure (−0.84 mmHg, −1.53 to −0.15). In addition, we observed greater reductions in weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol among participants who were with two or more risk factors for metabolic syndrome than other participants. We found that participation in a health checkup program based on behavioral science was associated with reduced metabolic syndrome-related indicators. There may be room for improvement in the effectiveness of general health checkups.

Smoking Habits and Workplace Health Promotion among University Students in Southern Italy: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Investigation.

The study aimed to investigate the tobacco smoking prevalence, habits and awareness among a cohort of healthcare students from a university hospital in southern Italy and the associations with socio-demographic determinants. A secondary outcome was to estimate the educational needs to receive information on smoking-related risk factors. Five hundred and forty-nine students completed a self-administered questionnaire (180 male and 369 female, average age 25 yo, ±5.9 SD), enrolled from October 2018 to November 2019 at the University of Naples ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, and the collected data were analysed by descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. The sample’s prevalence of current smokers was 25.3%, without a significant sex difference. The multiple logistic regression model showed the link between smoking habits and alcoholic beverage consumption (p < 0.001) and living with smokers (p = 0.003). The enrolled cohort does not seem to need more information about the risks of cigarette smoking (p = 0.028). The data analysis and the comparison with the current literature allowed the authors to hypothesise a training model to be adopted within a workplace health promotion programme managed by an occupational physician. This model included targeted training for smoking dissuasion, focusing on sex and gender, cohabitant’s influence, and combined addiction management. Further research will focus on the effectiveness of these proposed models.

Assessment of job satisfaction, lifestyle behaviors, and occupational burnout symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic among radiologic technologists in Saudi Arabia

IntroductionRadiologic technologists (RTs) are among the healthcare staff negatively impacted by job dissatisfaction, occupational stress, and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess job satisfaction, lifestyle behaviors, occupational burnout symptoms, and associated factors among RTs in Saudi Arabia. MethodsA survey study was conducted from January 2021 to February 2022 using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire gathered socio-demographic information, answers to the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire, lifestyle behaviors, and frequency of occupational burnout symptoms. Data were analyzed to obtain descriptive and inferential statistics. ResultsA total of 261 RTs completed the survey. Participants were predominantly male and most were working in public hospitals. The overall mean score for job satisfaction was 3.77 (of 5), indicating moderate job satisfaction, with two items showing low satisfaction— compensation (3.33) and advancement (3.28). The overall mean score for lifestyle behaviors was 2.00 (of 3), indicating moderate lifestyle behaviors, with the lowest scores reported in sleep quality (1.92), healthy diet (1.85), and relaxing and unwinding (1.86). For burnout symptoms, the overall mean score was 2.30, indicating moderate burnout level, with the highest score reported in experiencing physical symptoms (2.72). There were significant relationships between job satisfaction, lifestyle behaviors and burnout symptoms. A positive and moderate relationship, r = 0.53 (p < 0.05), was found between job satisfaction and healthy lifestyle behaviors. The burnout relationships with job satisfaction, r = −0.615 (p < 0.05), and healthy lifestyle behaviors, r = −0.524 (p < 0.05), were negative and moderate relationships ConclusionThe interrelationships between job satisfaction, lifestyle behaviors, and occupational burnout symptoms suggest that improving lifestyle behaviors and managing burnout symptoms could contribute to higher job satisfaction. Implications for practicePolicymakers should focus their efforts in the workplace health promotion programs to play essential roles in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors and occupational stress management, as well as, improvements of RTs career advancement and compensation.

Perceptions of employees with a low and medium level of education towards workplace health promotion programmes: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundUnderstanding the perceptions of lower socioeconomic groups towards workplace health promotion is important because they are underrepresented in workplace health promotion activities and generally engage in unhealthier lifestyle behaviour than high SEP groups. This study aims to explore interest in workplace health promotion programmes (WHPPs) among employees with a low and medium level of education regarding participation and desired programme characteristics (i.e. the employer’s role, the source, the channel, the involvement of the social environment and conditions of participation).MethodsA mixed-methods design was used, consisting of a questionnaire study (n = 475) and a sequential focus group study (n = 27) to enrich the questionnaire’s results. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to analyse the associations between subgroups (i.e. demographics, weight status) and interest in a WHPP. The focus group data were analysed deductively through thematic analysis, using MAXQDA 2018 for qualitative data analysis.ResultsThe questionnaire study showed that 36.8% of respondents were interested in an employer-provided WHPP, while 45.1% expressed no interest. Regarding subgroup differences, respondents with a low level of education were less likely to express interest in a WHPP than those with a medium level of education (OR = .54, 95%, CI = .35–.85). No significant differences were found concerning gender, age and weight status. The overall themes discussed in the focus groups were similar to the questionnaires (i.e. the employer’s role, the source, the channel, the involvement of the social environment and conditions of participation). The qualitative data showed that participants’ perceptions were often related to their jobs and working conditions.ConclusionsEmployees with a medium level of education were more inclined to be interested in a WHPP than those with a low level of education. Focus groups suggested preferences varied depending on job type and related tasks. Recommendations are to allow WHPP design to adapt to this variation and facilitate flexible participation. Future research investigating employers’ perceptions of WHPPs is needed to enable a mutual understanding of an effective programme design, possibly contributing to sustainable WHPP implementation.

The process evaluation of a citizen science approach to design and implement workplace health promotion programs

BackgroundMany workplace health promotion programs (WHPPs) do not reach blue-collar workers. To enhance the fit and reach, a Citizen Science (CS) approach was applied to co-create and implement WHPPs. This study aims to evaluate i) the process of this CS approach and ii) the resulting WHPPs.MethodsThe study was performed in two companies: a construction company and a container terminal company. Data were collected by questionnaires, interviews and logbooks. Using the framework of Nielsen and Randall, process measures were categorized in the intervention, context and mental models. Interviews were transcribed and thematically coded using MaxQDA software.ResultsThe involvement in the CS approach and co-creating the WHPPs was positively experienced. Information provision, sustained engagement over time and alignment with the workplace’s culture resulted in barriers in the CS process. As to the resulting WHPPs, involvement and interaction during the intervention sessions were particularly experienced in small groups. The reach was affected by the unfavorable planning off the WHPPs and external events of re-originations and the covid-19 pandemic.DiscussionContinuous information provision and engagement over time, better alignment with the workplace’s culture and favorable planning are considered to be important factors for facilitating involvement, reach and satisfaction of the workers in a Citizen science approach to design and implement a WHPP. Further studies continuously monitoring the process of WHPPs using the CS approach could be helpful to anticipate on external factors and increase the adaptability.ConclusionsWorkers were satisfied with the involvement in WHPPs. Organizational and social cultural factors were barriers for the CS approach and its reach. Involvement and interaction in WHPPs were particularly experienced in small grouped sessions. Consequently, contextual and personal factors need be considered in the design and implementation of WHPPs with CS approach among blue-collar workers.

The co-production of a workplace health promotion program: expected benefits, contested boundaries

Workplace health promotion (WHP) are often depicted as an opportunity for pursuing a better and broader well-being condition under the assumption that working environments affect the physical, mental, and social well-being of individuals who spend large proportion of waking hours at work. While most empirical studies provided medical evidence to the effectiveness of WHP programs, scholars question the instrumental purposes of these programs founded on the belief that “healthy workers are better workers”. Little is known, for instance, about the design of WHP programs and their acceptance by workers. Our study addresses this gap, analyzing the co-production of a WHP program in an Italian research institute promoted by the healthcare authority, the local government and the national center for prevention and security in the workplaces. To this aim, we adopt the notion of boundary object investigate how different stakeholders reclaim to take part and being involved in this process, re-shaping their goals and their boundaries and why a WHP program or parts of it may be rejected or re-negotiated by its recipients. Our analysis reveals how each stakeholder contributes to re-shape the WHP program which emerges as the modular product of the composition of each matter of concern. Most notably, the strong rooting in a clinical perspective and the original focus on only workers at risk is gradually flanked by initiatives to involve all employees. Moreover, workers draw a line as for the legitimacy of employers’ intervention in the personal sphere of health promotion, embracing interventions addressing diet and physical activity while rejecting measures targeting smoking and alcohol consumption.