Workplace Health Promotion Research Articles

Non-support from the immediate boss is associated with stress and unsafety at work

BackgroundWork-related complaints are often caused by stress and increased mental strain. Support from your immediate boss and colleagues is crucial to buffer against the negative health effects of the psychosocial working environment.AimThe aim of this study was to investigate if support from the immediate boss and colleagues was associated with biological stress levels, unsafety at work, and other work-related conditions.MethodsData derives from a subsample of the SCAPIS study, a major Swedish prospective population-based study. In this subsample, a total of N = 5 058 middle-aged persons (50-64 years) from the general population participated; of these, 68.4% (N = 3 462 individuals) provided hair samples. Questionnaires included socio-demographic and self-reports of occupation, stress, and health status. The demand and control questionnaires were used. A biomarker of long-term stress, hair cortisol concentrations (HCC), was also applied.ResultsIn this studied cohort, 9.1 % reported a lack of support from their immediate boss, while 90.9% reported that they did get support at work. Significantly more women (p < 0.001) reported non-support. Those with support or not did not differ in terms of age, education, civil status, smoking, or ethnicity. Those with non-support reported a higher extent (p < 0.001) of lower perceived health. The risk for hypertension and high cholesterol was increased by 28 %, respectively, 13 % being in the non-support group. The main findings were associations between lack of support and feelings of unsafety at work (p < 0.001), higher long-term cortisol levels (p < 0.009), lack of support from colleagues (p < 0.001), and feelings of dejected/sad (p < 0.001) and high work pace (p = 0.03).ConclusionIndividuals who did not have the necessary support from their immediate boss and colleagues reported they felt more insecure at work and had higher biological long-term stress. In workplace health promotion, an awareness of the link between social support at work and health could be an important component.

Using the EPIS Framework to Implement a Physical Activity Promotion Intervention at a Large Academic Healthcare System.

This study aimed to describe the implementation of a workplace health promotion to address low levels of physical activity (PA). Using the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework, we implemented and evaluated a 10-week workplace step-count challenge to promote PA. All health system employees invited to participate. Data were collected on the exploration, preparation, and implementation phases. During exploration, we recognized inadequate PA among employees. Meetings with key personnel were held to determine details of the health promotion and obtain support. We pursued a step-count PA intervention, capitalizing on employee ownership of smartphones with accelerometers. Vendors to host the intervention were evaluated. All employees were invited to participate. Participants received weekly messages about improving PA and notifications of weekly challenges. Exit interviews provided feedback and suggestions. A workplace health promotion focused on employee PA is feasible using EPIS.

Perceived Stress and Variation of Blood Pressure Among Re-Rolling Steel Mill Workers

Background: The steel industry is crucial to global infrastructure and economic growth, with rising demands fueled by urbanization and energy needs. In Bangladesh, the sector has grown significantly since the 1990s, but health risks for workers, such as stress-related disorders and hypertension, remain under-addressed. This study evaluates stress levels and blood pressure variations among re-rolling steel mill workers in Bangladesh, with the goal of guiding interventions to enhance worker health and occupational safety. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a re-rolling steel mill in the Thana area of Bangladesh to assess stress levels and blood pressure variations among workers with at least one year of experience. The study involved protocol development, data collection, and final report submission. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather socio-demographic information, perceived stress levels, and blood pressure measurements. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and statistical inference, with ethical considerations carefully observed throughout the study. Results: The study surveyed respondents aged 19-52 years with a mean age of 34.72±8.948 years, predominantly Muslim with a majority completing primary education. Most (48.8%) had monthly income with 8,000 to 12,000 taka while mechanical workers being the largest of working sections (41.8%). The study revealed that the majority of respondents (53%) experienced moderate perceived stress, while 45.6% reported low levels of stress. A small proportion of respondents, comprising only 1.4%, reported experiencing highly perceived stress. Conclusion: This study enhances our comprehension of the intricate relationship between occupational factors, psychosocial stress, and cardiovascular health outcomes in industrial environments, offering valuable insights for workplace health promotion and research. JOPSOM 2023; 42(2): 18-22

TRANSFORMING WORKERS’ HEALTH THROUGH LIFESTYLE MEDICINE: PROACTIVE STRATEGIES FOR REDESIGNING A HEALTHIER WORKPLACE

Challenges such as unhealthy lifestyles, work-related stress, and lack of awareness about healthy eating exist in all sectors of employment. Workers often cannot engage in physical activities and lack resources to manage stress and maintain mental well-being. Despite existing efforts to promote workplace health, these issues persist, indicating a lack of current implementation strategies. The purpose of this study is to address these gaps by improving the implementation of Lifestyle Medicine (LM) concepts at work. The improved suggestion on implementation is based on LM and aims to promote healthy lifestyles and create supportive work environments. These efforts include health programs, workplace environment modifications, health education campaigns, and relevant policies. Based on a survey involving 28 organizations, the approach focuses on enhancing stress management, social connection, ergonomic features, and physical activity. Hence, this study enhances LM implementation to address persistent workplace health challenges aiming to foster a workplace culture that enhances employee health, productivity, and satisfaction.

Physical Activity and Employee Well-Being among Employees during The Covid-19 Pandemic in Jakarta

This study investigates the interrelation between physical activity and employee well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic in Jakarta. Drawing on existing literature, which predominantly links physical activity to health outcomes, this research aims to explore its correlation with employee well-being. Utilizing the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Employee Well-Being (EWB) Scale, both translated into Indonesian, the study employed a correlation analysis to examine these dynamics. The findings indicate a statistically significant relationship between physical activity and employee well-being, with a correlation coefficient of r = 0.205 (p < 0.05). This research contributes to the broader understanding of physical activity's impact, extending beyond mere health benefits to encompass employee well-being, thus offering valuable insights for workplace health promotion strategies during unprecedented times like during the pandemic Covid-19.

Penyuluhan Fisioterapi Low Back Pain pada komunitas Pekerja Industri Roti

Low Back Pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal complaint among industrial workers, especially those performing heavy physical tasks like lifting and maintaining non-ergonomic postures for prolonged periods. This condition can reduce workplace productivity and quality of life. This activity aimed to enhance workers' knowledge and skills in preventing and managing LBP through education and practical training. Ten bread industry workers in Malang City participated in this program, which included lectures on the causes, symptoms, prevention, and management of LBP, as well as stretching exercises to alleviate discomfort. Pre-counseling assessments showed only 10% of participants had knowledge about LBP, but post-counseling evaluations revealed a significant improvement to 100%. These results demonstrate that simple education and exercises can positively impact LBP management. Similar programs are recommended to be implemented regularly to promote workplace health and comprehensively prevent LBP risks.

Opportunities to Improve Health Equity for Employees in Low-Wage Industries in the United States.

This review describes employees working in low-wage industries in the United States, their health risks, and their access to health promotion and other health-related resources through their employers. We use publicly available datasets to illustrate how low-wage jobs affect employees' social determinants of health, health risk behaviors, and chronic conditions. We also discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted these employees' and employers' health-related priorities and work settings. We describe employees' access to health supports through federal programs and their employers and the potential ways in which low-wage employers could support employee health and well-being. We close with a brief research and practice agenda to improve health equity for employees in low-wage industries. The goal of this review is to help practitioners and researchers in workplace health promotion, occupational health, and public health reach employees and employers in low-wage industries with interventions that address employees' health risks and employees' and employers' health priorities.

Assessing the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Small and Medium Businesses in North Carolina: Results From the Carolina PROSPER COVID-19 Worksite Impact Survey.

As the COVID-19 pandemic presented new challenges for businesses and worker safety and health, an interdisciplinary team launched the COVID-19 Worksite Impact Survey to assess COVID-19-related impacts and responses at small and medium businesses in 10 North Carolina counties. We collected data from October 2 to December 1, 2020, and analyzed survey results to evaluate businesses' operational changes, concerns, needs, pandemic preparedness, workplace health promotion programming, and infection control practices. Most businesses, including essential ones, were inadequately prepared for the pandemic and did not implement the most effective COVID-19 infection control practices. Larger businesses and those with existing preparedness practices or health promotion programs were more likely to implement effective measures. We should be acting now to improve small and medium businesses' preparedness for future public health crises.

Workplace health promotion interventions in EU-27 public administrations.

The objective of this article is to make an exploratory study about European public administrations (public administration, public agencies, public law entities, entities dependent on the public administration and public universities) in relation to workplace health promotion interventions. The sample was extracted from the ESENER-3 (Third European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks) (EU-OSHA, 2019) and consists of 7,981 public entities from the EU-27 countries. Four WHPI have been studied: healthy nutrition interventions, sports activities after working hours, back exercises at work and prevention of addictions. This is an exploratory study. The sample was extracted from the ESENER-3 (Third European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks) (EU-OSHA, 2019) and consists of 7,981 public entities from the EU-27 Public Administration. In total, 45,420 establishments were interviewed. Different patterns have been observed when implementing workplace health promotion interventions in the EU-27 public administration. The promotion of sports activities outside working hours is the one with the highest level of implementation in European public administration. On the other hand, the measure with the least implementation level is the promotion of healthy nutrition. The limitations of the study are that the studied items are nominal and comprise more than two categories, so it has not been possible to develop a correlation analysis. The EU-27 public administrations can see which workplace health promotion interventions need to be improved. Differences that may exist in the adopted workplace health promotion interventions by European public administrations have not yet been addressed in depth by the literature.

Promoting Workplace Health, Safety, and Well-Being Among Essential Agricultural Workers Through Vaccine-Preventable Infectious Diseases Training in the Rio Grande Valley

ABSTRACT Introduction Health, safety, and well-being training programs provide essential education on anticipating, identifying, and mitigating exposures like infectious diseases. Gaps in infectious diseases awareness and education became especially apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently were exacerbated by mis- and disinformation. Methods Vaccine-preventable infectious diseases training (influenza, hepatitis A and B, and tetanus infections, including COVID-19) was developed, delivered, and evaluated among 1,043 farmworkers, bodega workers, and production management in the Rio Grande Valley using mobile-learning technologies. The Kirkpatrick Four-Level Training Evaluation Model was utilized to evaluate training satisfaction (Level 1), effectiveness (Level 2), and effect on behavior (Level 3). Results The mean score on the pretest before training was 67.8% (SD 17.5), and the mean score on the same test immediately after the video training was 77.2% (SD 17.9). A paired t-test revealed that knowledge improved significantly from pre- to post-training (p < .05). We observed a difference between mean pre- and post-test scores relative to the pooled standard deviation, resulting in an effect size estimate of 0.53 indicative of a medium learning effect. Conclusion There is no “silver bullet” for training migrating bodega and farmworkers. Our findings suggest that the utilization of m-learning techniques continues to be a successful mechanism for delivering health, safety, and well-being awareness training content to agricultural workers in remote and challenging work environments. There is a long overdue need for offline capable software with features that allow equitable access to training, even in remote farming regions.

Continuous work-related sitting time and its association with perceived workplace support for health among workers in the Greater Accra Municipality: a cross-sectional analysis with sensitivity analyses

BackgroundResearch to date has shown that work-related sitting time can be a major occupational health risk. This understanding has encouraged several workplace health promotion efforts. Even so, some domains of work-related sitting time and their associations with Perceived Workplace Support for Health (PWSH) have not been considered in research. This study aims to compare domains of work-related sitting time between employee characteristics (e.g., gender and age) and assess their associations with PWSH.MethodsThis study adopted a cross-sectional design with a sensitivity analysis against confounding and measures against common methods bias. The study population was employees of private and public firms in Accra, Ghana. In all, 1000 employees participated in the study. The hierarchical linear regression analysis and the independent samples t-test were used to present the results.ResultsEmployees working in service firms, compared with those working in manufacturing firms, reported longer sitting time for lunchtime. After adjusting for physical function, we found a negative association between PWSH and the sum of continuous sitting time as well as its domains (p < 0.001), except for ‘sitting with a desk’ (p > 0.05).ConclusionWork-related sitting time was associated with employee characteristics and was lower at higher PWSH. This study reinforces the importance of workplace support for health and its role in work-related sitting.

How to stay healthy in a physically demanding workplace – Die retrospektive Beurteilung einer gezielten betrieblichen Gesundheitsförderungsmaßnahme für körperlich schwer arbeitende Mitarbeiter und Mitarbeiterinnen im Allgemeinen Krankenhaus Wien

How to stay healthy in a physically demanding workplace – The retrospective assessment of a targeted occupational health promotion measure for employees doing physically demanding work at Vienna General Hospital Aim: Heavy physical work is one of the key factors in the development of spinal overload syndromes. Workplace health promotion (WHP) measures aim to minimize the harmful effects of heavy physical work as much as possible through personal measures. If generalized WHP measures are not possible, they should be carried out in a way that is tailored to specific professional groups. This paper presents such a targeted WHP measure for the patient transport services at Vienna General Hospital and its retrospective assessment by the participants. Methods: After participation in the targeted WHP measure, a validated questionnaire, the Comprehensibility of Health Education Programs (COHEP), was used. Results: The COHEP dimensions “comprehension-fostering behaviour of program trainers” (mean 16,3 ± 5,9), “transferability to everyday life” (mean 12,5 ± 4,0) and “comprehensibility of medical information” (mean 7,6 ± 2,2) were rated as very good. The COHEP dimension “amount of information” (mean 12,6 ± 6,8) was rated as average. Conclusion: The WHP project presented here was rated very highly in terms of comprehension-fostering behaviour, transferability to everyday life and comprehensibility of medical information. The amount of information, however, was rated as tending to be too extensive. Keywords: workplace health promotion – back health – manual material handling – weightlifting

Triggerpunkt-Behandlungs-Tool zur Selbsttherapie von Myogelosen im Berufsumfeld – eine Anwendungsbeobachtung

Trigger point treatment tool for self-therapy of myogelosis in the professional environment – An observational study Aim: There is a large number of occupations where workplace-associated movement patterns and/or forced postures lead to muscle tension in the shoulders and back. These tensions have a direct detrimental impact on the quality of life and capacity for work of those affected. In the medium to long term, they also promote the development of structural degeneration of the musculoskeletal system. If employees in the healthcare sector are affected, this impairs high-quality patient care. The trigger point self-treatment tool “TensionTerminator” (ErgoPhysion, Innsbruck, Austria) was developed for the self-therapy of such tension conditions in the workplace. The use of this device was evaluated as part of an application observation in six departments at Vienna General Hospital (AKH). Methods: Six departments at Vienna General Hospital from the areas of surgery, laboratory medicine, internal medicine and radiology were each provided with a “TensionTerminator” device for independent use for 4 months between May 2023 and March 2024. A contact person in each department was trained in the use of the device and how to handle the documentation. As part of the observation, users were asked to independently enter their user ID, the duration of use and their subjective assessment of the effect (“better”/”worse”/”no change”) in a list each time they used the device. Results: During the test period, a total of 430 uses by 145 users were documented in the six departments, i.e. an average of almost 3 uses per person. The average application duration was 6.5 minutes. In 85.1% of all uses, the patient’s condition after use was described as “better”, and in 14% of all cases as “no change”. One of the 430 uses received a negative rating (“worse”). Conclusion: The trigger point self-treatment tool “TensionTerminator” has proven to be an effective device against workplace-associated muscle tension. It was received very well in the hospital setting and was used regularly. Keywords: workplace health promotion – back pain – myogelosis – myofascial trigger points

Scoping review meets expert interviews: Key issues of multimodal programs for workplace health promotion in long-term care facilities - "We can't just run a standard program".

Long-term care facility employees' workload escalation intensifies negative risk for (nursing) staff health, residents, and the economy. Workplace health promotion (WHP) has emerged as a vital approach with positive impacts on employee well-being. This Scoping Review focuses on multimodal WHP programs in long-term care facilities, emphasizing barriers, facilitators, and the integration of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM). Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a systematic search strategy from February to April 2023 in Medline (PubMed), EMBASE (Ovid), and CINAHL (EBSCOhost) yielded 506 hits. Findings were enriched through semi-structured expert interviews. All data were analyzed with a deductive-inductive qualitative content analysis. Eleven publications met inclusion criteria and eight experts were interviewed based on key topics of the included publications. The integration of the results showed that primary obstacles highlight structural challenges (time, finances, hierarchies) and team dynamics (lack of support, communication issues, low motivation), while effective communication, support from the management, and participatory engagement enhance program success. CIM approaches are not explicitly referenced as such, despite widespread use. An exclusive CIM-focus, with multimodal WHP programs for long-term care facilities is missing and should highlight the necessity of a multimethod approach intervention. While the need for further research about the specific topic of multimodal, CIM-based WHO programs in long-term care facilities - including cross-cultural and international comparisons - is apparent, an appropriate evaluation of complex interventions is challenging given the nature of multimodal WHP programs. A multi-method approach is therefore recommended as standard for further research in this area.

The Workplace Health Promotion project in an Italian manufacturing

Abstract Introduction The Workplace Health Promotion (WHP) program aims to improve employee’s health and well-being in the workplace by intervening in lifestyles. The objective of our study was to assess the impact of the WHP promoted by the Local Health Authority Tuscany South-East at a manufacturing. Methods The program was set at the STOSA Company in Radicofani (Siena, Italy) between 31 May 2017 to 31 December 2021, with a one-year interruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on an assessment of the workers’ health status, we identified nutrition and fighting smoking as areas of intervention. The WHP project was integrated into the company policy and targeted all staff. Evaluation of interventions was conducted using an anonymous paper questionnaire (Regional Decree no. 1565, Annex 3) administered in three moments: at the beginning of the project (T0), one year later (T1), and at the end (T2). We conducted a descriptive and inferential analysis (chi-square test) with R. Results We collected 131 (T0), 136 (T1), and 123 (T2) responses. The cohort is composed entirely of males (T0 M:F 122:8, T1 130:6, T2 109:14). The median age is 40 years (SD 8.24 (T2)). There is a statistically significant difference in the perception of health status by education (p&amp;lt;.001), type of work (p&amp;lt;.001), smoking habit (p&amp;lt;.001), and the change in smoking habit (p&amp;lt;.001). The whole sample positively evaluated the interventions on nutrition and fighting to smoke. Moreover, the entire sample reported improvements in their diet since the beginning of the project. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic caused difficulties in carrying out the project and possible changes in workers’ lifestyles. However, positive outcomes were observed in the targeted areas. The company has evaluated positively the WHP’s project and decided to maintain the good practices acquired. Key messages • The workplace represents a privileged setting to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent non-communicable diseases. • Collaborations between health authorities and other sectors are strategic to reach the general population.

Preliminary Results of a Workplace Health Promotion Program in Higher Education

Background: Employees of higher education have an increased risk for stress, burnout, and turnover. Workplace Health Promotion (WHP) programs have been shown to improve quality of life, reduce individual health risks, improve morale, reduce health care costs, and increase employee retention. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of a WHP initiative on employee intent to stay, life/work balance, and work-related quality of life. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design at a Midwestern university. All faculty and staff were invited to participate in an Employee Wellness Hour, which allowed them to take an additional hour per day to participate in wellness-related activities. Those who chose to participate were required to track their wellness activity on a weekly basis in Qualtrics and invited to participate in a survey examining their intent to stay, life/work balance, and work-related quality of life. Analyses were conducted to determine whether participation in the Employee Wellness Hour had an impact on employee intent to stay, their life/work balance, and work-related quality of life. Results: Results indicated that those who participated in the Employee Wellness Hour were more likely to stay with their current employer and rated their working conditions more positively. Conclusions: The cost of employee turnover is immense, making it imperative that employers develop and implement innovative solutions to retain employees and improve working conditions. This study provided preliminary evidence that WHP programs can have a positive impact on retention and working conditions among those employed in institutions of higher education.

Workplace health promotion in the German Federal Armed Forces-Economic analysis and health benefits

Abstract Background In the German Federal Armed Forces (GFAF) workplace health promotion measures (WHPM) are implemented since 2015 to promote the health of military and civilian employees and thus improve the ability to defend state interests. Here the aim is to evaluate the social and health benefits associated with WHPM in relation to expenditures for WHPM. Methods Calculations are based on data from departmental reporting (full survey) on WHPM, the number of participants and days of incapacity for work (DIW). Mean indirect costs for the WHPM participation and DIW were calculated as 249.33 Euro per DIW. To assess the costs for the use of health care services and social and health benefits a longitudinal observational study (T0: 06-09/2022; T1: 06-09/2023) was conducted online and paper based. The survey invitation was addressed to 223.967 employees of the GFAF. Statistical analyses were performed using R software. Results In departments offering WHPM the chance of DIW is lower (-19%) compared to departments without WHPM offers and in case of DIW, the duration is shorter (-10%). In T0 23.568 (10.5%) and in T1 14.059 (6%) employees participated. 63.9% (T1: 3.070/4.805) reported positive effects of WHPM on their working ability and general health status (T1: 63.0% (3.013/4.782)). Of those participating in WHPM 81% (T0: 5.442/6.716) would recommend the GFAF as an employer. A number of 4.540 employees participated in both surveys, of which 2.249 participated in WHPM. The average costs per employee participating in WHPM compared to employees not participating are 0,4% higher (T0; T1: 3,5%) and thus almost equal. Conclusions Although WHPM need expenditures, the total costs per employee participating and not participating in WHPM are comparable. WHPM participants report better self-rated health status, higher working ability and commitment to the employer than non-participants. The chance of DIW is reduced in departments offering WHPM to its employees. *shared authorship Key messages • Although WHPM need expenditures, the total costs per employee participating and not participating in WHPM are comparable. • Employees participating in workplace health promotion measures report higher working ability and commitment to the employer.

User technology for AI-supported objective measurement of Work-related Quality of Life (MI-LQ)

Abstract Background Understanding and enhancing job satisfaction is crucial for improving Work-Related Quality of Life (WrQoL) in today’s office work environments. Our work uses multimodal data collection and analysis techniques to objectively assess WrQoL, thus mitigating respondent bias and survey fatigue. Leveraging machine learning (ML) and automated methods measuring WrQoL presents a promising approach in public health research, particularly concerning stress-related health outcomes. Methods Through a systematic literature search of 9,242 publications to identify WrQoL indicators, we selected over 100 publications for data extraction. A base model, including workload, commute, overtime, valence, and arousal was formulated. To amass a wide data set, Objective measurement tools (computers, smartphones, and wearables) complemented by questionnaire data. This data will inform ML algorithms to predict individual WrQoL indicators. Developed as an input/output data platform, an app-prototype will objectively assess WrQoL, facilitating a field study with office workers to refine the model. A mobile app prototype serves as a user interface and data relay for WrQoL metric analysis. Results Our research develops instruments for measuring WrQoL using smartphones, wearables, and specialized trackers for heart rate variability (HRV) analysis, alongside a software prototype for keyboard and mouse tracking for workload assessment of valence and arousal. Fitness trackers with photoplethysmography functionality are favored for HRV assessment. Conclusions The systematic search identified influences on WrQoL, translated into measurable indicators in a base model. Leveraging user tech for assessment and a ML and mobile app framework, this approach facilitates objective WrQoL determination. By presenting the relationship between digital service use and WrQoL indicators, this methodology promises new insights, informing stress and burnout prevention strategies within public health initiatives. Key messages • Progressive approach: ML-driven WrQoL assessment offers promising avenues for stress prevention in workplace health research. • Methodological Advancement: The novel framework for WrQoL assessment using digital tools contributes to effective workplace health promotion strategies, with potential for tailored interventions.

Increasing step count of employees through the Semmelweis Workplace Health Promotion Program

Abstract Background Lifestyle greatly contributes to the development of age-related diseases. The goal of the Semmelweis University’s ‘Semmelweis Workplace Health Promotion Program’ is to develop interventions that facilitate healthy ageing. The aim of its first intervention was to increase the step count of participants by incorporating motivational elements offered through the university’s Center of Preventive Services. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted in spring 2024 with three study groups: those undergoing motivational interviews (MI, n = 49), those receiving motivational emails (ME, n = 51), and a control group (n = 53). Intervention groups (MI+ME) received weekly emails for 8 weeks emphasizing the benefits of increased step count and providing feedback on achievements. The MI group also took part in 4 biweekly consultations. Mean step counts of last week and energy expended while walking (MET) calculated from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were recorded five and three times, respectively. Mixed model regressions were conducted for two pre-planned comparisons: MI+ME vs. controls, and MI vs. ME. Results Intervention groups exhibited a significant increase in average step count (1001 steps; 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI]: 349-1651) as a result of the program, while the control group experienced a non-significant decrease. This was accompanied by a significant increase in energy expenditure for walking (45 MET; 95% CI: 4-87) in intervention groups and a non-significant decrease for the control group. The study found no significant differences in step count and energy expenditure between the two intervention groups (MI vs. ME). Conclusions Our results suggest that workplace health promotion programs may effectively increase physical activity, and thus may be key in tackling the challenges posed by aging demographics. Preliminary findings did not indicate a superiority between email-based and motivational interview-based motivation. Key messages • Workplace health promotion is an essential tool in promoting healthy aging among the working-age population. • Step-count programs based on motivational interviewing serve as an effective and simple tool in increasing physical activity.

Workplace health promotion measures and use of medical services in the German Federal Armed Forces

Abstract Introduction Workplace health promotion measures (WHPM) are among recommended options for maintaining employees health, important for the German Federal Armed Forces as an employer. In order to detect associations between WHPM and health care utilization, we recorded the number of outpatient visits and hospital stays, differentiated according to gender, military or civilian activity. Methods Prospective longitudinal observational substudy with cross sectional analysis of items regarding use of medical services at T0 (6-9/2022). Analysis for T1 (2023) and T2 (2024) follow. Data were obtained with a web-based employee survey to record self-reported endpoints. A total of about 224.000 employees by the German Armed Forces were addressed. Results Survey participation rate was 10.5% (n = 23.568) of all employees in T0, 29.1% were women and 0.3% reported being diverse, 43.2% of the participants were &amp;lt;40 years of age. Independently of taking part in WHPM, we did not detect differences in the proportion of male soldiers receiving treatment in hospitals of the German Federal Armed Forces. Among female soldiers without WHPM, 37.5% stayed in hospitals and with WHPM 30.5%. Higher % of women (84%) than men (78%) presented to the military - or family physician (w: 81%, m: 73%), independent of participation in WHPM and assignment for civil or military. In last 4 weeks, more women (81.3%) than men (65.6%) were prescribed medication. Female employees in civilian w.p.(84.8%) took more medications than those in military w.p (77.7%). Oral contraception was used by 20% of women in both civilian and military w.p. Conclusions There are no gender differences nor difference for civilian or military employees concerning the number of days staying in hospital. More women than men recieved regular outpatient medical care and more women than men take medication regularly. *Ludwig S and Roy R share last authorship Key messages • There are no gender differences nor difference for civilian or military employees concerning the number of days staying in hospital. • More women than men recieved regular outpatient medical care and more women than men take medication regularly.