Worksite Intervention Research Articles

A Worksite Intervention Program for Obese Sedentary Women Using Wearable Technology.

The sedentary aspects of work have been associated with increased health risks. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of high intensity interval training (HIIT) and increased steps on anthropometric, body mass, and body composition changes over a 12-week period. 12 sedentary, obese, body mass index (BMI) = 32.98 ± 3.21 kg/m2, adult (46.10 ± 9.56 years), females volunteered for the study and were randomly assigned into one of the two groups, the HIIT group and the STEP group. During the 12-week study, all participants' movements were monitored during their workday, via an accelerometer, a Movband™, 5 days/week. The HIIT group (n = 5) engaged in structured exercise (~15.0 ± 3.5 minutes), defined as total body moves which consisted of eight different routines: upper and lower extremity, two cardio segments, two total body, yoga, and abdominal exercises. The STEP group (n = 7) averaged ~7,000 steps/day throughout 12 weeks. Pre- and post-program measurements included: five anthropometric measurements (biceps, waist, abdomen, hips, and thigh), along with body mass and body composition measures: relative (%) body fat via dual x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, fat mass, fat-free mass, and lean mass. Statistical significance was determined among participants for biceps, hips, and thigh measurements along with body mass and body composition changes for improved health. This work is suggestive that a physical activity intervention integrated into the workplace via work processes and/or structured exercise is supportive in reducing anthropometric and body composition measurements, while changing body mass, to increase health and reduce obesity-related chronic disease risks in sedentary women.

Effects of a dietary intervention on cardiometabolic risk and food consumption in a workplace.

Worksite-based health programs have shown positive impacts on employee health and have led to significant improvements in cardiovascular risk factor profiles. We aimed to determine the effect of cafeteria intervention on cardio-metabolic risk factors diet in a worksite setting (Dhulikhel Hospital) in Nepal. In this one-arm pre-post intervention study, we recruited 277 non-pregnant hospital employees aged 18-60 with prediabetes or pre-hypertension. The study was registered in clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03447340; 2018/02/27). All four cafeterias in the hospital premises received cafeteria intervention encouraging healthy foods and discouraging unhealthy foods for six months. We measured blood pressure, fasting glucose level, glycated hemoglobin, cholesterol in the laboratory, and diet intake (in servings per week) using 24-hour recall before and six months after the intervention. The before and after measures were compared using paired-t tests. After six months of cafeteria intervention, the median consumption of whole grains, mono/polyunsaturated fat, fruits, vegetable and nuts servings per week increased by 2.24(p<0.001), 2.88(p<0.001), 0.84(p<0.001) 2.25(p<0.001) and nuts 0.55 (p<0.001) servings per week respectively. The median consumption of refined grains decreased by 5.07 servings per week (p<0.001). Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 2 mmHg (SE = 0.6; p = 0.003) and 0.1 mmHg (SE = 0.6; p = 0.008), respectively. The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was significantly reduced by 6 mg/dL (SE = 1.4; p<0.001). Overall, we found a decrease in consumption of refined grains and an increase in consumption of whole grains, unsaturated fats, fruits, and nuts observed a modest reduction in blood pressure and LDL cholesterol following a 6-month cafeteria-based worksite intervention incorporating access to healthy foods.

Preliminary evaluation of a brief worksite intervention to reduce weight stigma and weight bias internalization

Weight-based discrimination (WBD) is common and associated with reduced physical and emotional functioning. WBD is common in the workplace, yet no studies have evaluated a WBD intervention delivered in a worksite setting. This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a 3-hour, remote-delivered WBD intervention at a large public university. Six workshops including 94 participants (41.76 ± 9.37 y; 92.8% women) were delivered December 2020 through May 2021; 88.3% of participants enrolled in the study and 88.8% of enrolled participants completed pre- and post-intervention surveys. Participants strongly agreed the workshop contributed to a more inclusive work environment (M=4.98 ± 0.2; 1 =Strongly Disagree to 5 =Strongly Agree); and was highly needed (4.9 ± 0.3) and liked (4.8 ± 0.5). Qualitative feedback cited benefits of remote delivery in providing body size anonymity and wanting access to intervention materials and more time for discussion and action steps to reduce WBD. Participants experienced significant, medium reductions in explicit weight bias (ps < .001), significant, small reductions in weight bias internalization (p < .001), and statistically non-significant (p = .08), small-to-medium reductions in implicit bias. Targeting worksites as a delivery mechanism has the potential to reduce WBD, thereby improving the health and well-being of diverse employees and creating a more inclusive workspace.

Acceptability, Feasibility, and Effectiveness of a Worksite Intervention to Lower Cardiometabolic Risk in South Africa: Protocol.

As an important way to translate cardiovascular disease prevention efforts, worksite intervention programs can be used to effectively facilitate healthy food choices, health education, and social support among employees, in a targeted approach to improve health outcomes and physical activity levels of employees. In this study, the effectiveness of a canteen and a behavioral intervention on cardiometabolic risk among prediabetic and prehypertensive employees at two multinational worksites in South Africa will be measured. This two-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be structured to provide a six-week intervention at two multinational companies spread across eight worksites and will include a canteen and behavioral arm (CB) and a canteen only (CO) arm. Participants who are either prediabetic or prehypertensive will complete the baseline assessments, which will include anthropometry, a demographic and lifestyle survey, the global physical activity questionnaire (GPAQ) and the 24 h food recall. Participants will be randomized into the CO and the canteen and CB intervention groups. The CO group will receive six weeks of canteen intervention [changes to enable a healthy food environment], while the CB group will receive six weeks of canteen intervention along with a behavioral intervention. The behavioral intervention will include an intense six-week lifestyle program aligned to the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). This study will assess the added benefit of environmental-level changes aimed at lowering cardiometabolic risk in a low-middle-income country (LMIC) and has the potential for scale-up to other worksites in South Africa and globally.

The association between number of steps and the ambulatory blood pressure during leisure vs. work hours among cleaners

PurposeThe physical activity paradox states occupational physical activity (OPA) to be hazardous and leisure time physical activity (LTPA) to be beneficial for health. Yet, the acute effects of OPA and LTPA on cardiovascular risk factors are sparsely investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects on ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) from steps/hour during work and leisure time among cleaners.MethodsData were obtained from a cluster randomized worksite intervention among 91 cleaners in Denmark and included a questionnaire, objective physical measurements, ABP (measured across 24 h), and steps/hour (measured during work and leisure time). A preliminary linear regression analysis was conducted as a mixed model including random intercept and slope, allowing for both within- and between-participant variability. We adjusted for sex, age, job seniority, medication use, smoking, self-reported fitness and BMI. Changes in ABP (mmHg) were estimated per 100 steps/hour.ResultsThe number of steps taken was not associated with ABP during either work or leisure. Moreover, the ABP did not seem to differ between exposure to steps taken during work (systolic − 0.42 mmHg, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): − 1.10–0.25, diastolic − 0.03 mmHg, 95% CI, − 0.45–0.39) and leisure time (systolic -0.47 mmHg, 95% CI, − 1.66–0.72, diastolic 0.25 mmHg, 95% CI, − 0.46–0.97).ConclusionOur findings show no significant association between steps/hour and ABP and no contrasting effects between work and leisure time. These mechanisms fostering the divergent results need to be further investigated to improve the understanding of the physical activity paradox.

Healthy and successful: Health-behavior goal striving in daily work life.

Health behaviors (physical activity and healthy eating) can be an essential part of everyday work life and are relevant for employees' affective states. Many worksite interventions, including goal-striving approaches, have been developed to promote health behavior at work. However, these approaches often neglect that making progress with respect to health-behavior goals necessarily takes place during workday episodes, so that work tasks are accomplished simultaneously. In our study, we aim to advance the understanding of how health-behavior goal progress is facilitated and how reflecting on it evokes affective states-taking into account simultaneous pursuit of work-task progress. We collected daily diary data from 205 employees on 1399days. Analyses showed that goal importance positively predicted health-behavior goal progress, which in turn positively predicted pride and negatively predicted shame at the end of the workday. The negative relation between health-behavior goal progress and shame was stronger on days with low work-task progress, implying compensatory effects. Work-task progress did not moderate the relation between health-behavior goal progress and pride. We discuss the theoretical and practical relevance of integrating research on multiple goal striving when promoting health behavior in daily work life by means of goal-striving techniques.

Worksite exercise intervention for hospital health care providers: Outcomes and resource utilization of a pilot study

ObjectivesWorkplace exercise has been demonstrated to improve health outcomes and productivity. Hospital staffs may have a large potential to benefit from workplace exercise; however, implementation of workplace exercise faces the challenges of the workflow in hospitals. This study aimed to explore the economic and productivity consequences of a 12-week exercise intervention for hospital health care providers in a Danish hospital department. MethodsThe outcome measures included the costs of providing the intervention, sick leave, self-reported quality of life (EQ-5D-5 L), work engagement (Utrecht Work Engagement Scale), and employees’ workplace social capital. Ordinary Least Squares and Generalized Linear Models were employed to assess whether the extent of participation in the intervention was associated with the outcome measures. ResultsA total of 80 participants completed an average of 9 sessions during the 12-week study period, at an estimated mean cost of €77 per person. Increasing number of exercise sessions was associated with improvements on the pain domain of the EQ-5D-5 L (mean (SD) -0.2570 (0.723), p = 0.0049), and with improved work engagement (by 4.6%) over the intervention period. We found no significant associations between exercise session participation and the other outcome measures. ConclusionsThe pilot study demonstrates relatively high acceptance of a worksite exercise program at a hospital, at a relatively low cost, with several important directions in outcomes. Further work should explore whether these results can be replicated in a larger, randomized trial.

An integrated approach to health, wellbeing, and productivity at work: a design of a stepped wedge worksite intervention study

BackgroundDespite an intensive focus on workers’ health during recent decades, the prevalence of work-related diseases remains unchanged in Denmark and internationally. Therefore, USA and Australian researchers have initiated new paradigms for integration of health promotion, prevention of work-related disease, and organization of work. Inspired by the Australian WorkHealth Improvement Network program (WIN), this paper describes the background, design, intervention methodologies, and evaluation methods of an Integrated Approach to Health, Wellbeing, and Productivity at Work (ITASPA) intervention aiming to prevent work-related injuries and diseases and promote the health, safety, and wellbeing of the worker.MethodsUsing a stepped wedge design, worksites will be enrolled at baseline and offered the intervention starting at different times. Data will be collected at baseline, before the off-set of the intervention, and after each implementation period. The effect evaluation will be based on a mixed-methods approach. The qualitative data are based on semi-structured interviews and focus groups. The quantitative data consists of questionnaires, anthropometrics, and resting blood pressure and will be analyzed based on the intention-to-treat principle in linear mixed models with random slope and intercept.DiscussionIntegrated interventions are shown to increase overall health and safety at worksites more effectively and rapidly than more narrowly focused programs. Still, previous integrated interventions are lacking successful implementation. In ITASPA, the effects of the intervention is tested in a strong scientific mixed-methods design. Thus, the ITASPA project contributes to the knowledge about what characterizes a best practice for the implementation of integrated worksite interventions.Trial registrationITASPA is retrospectively registered in Clinicaltrials.gov on May 19, 2023 (NCT05866978).

Workplace interventions to overcome stigma and depression in patients with Multiple drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB)

Introduction: MDR-TB is an infectious disease that can cause death and stigma for those infected. MDR-TB patients with depression are at risk for LTFU, which will worsen their condition and strengthen the stigma they receive. Case report: A 52-year-old female psychiatric interview and assessment using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) found that BDI score of 4 (no depression), and the patient adhered to TB treatment. She was found to be laid off, and an assessment using the BDI to detect depression in the patient found potential stigma in the patient, such as being laid off from work, prohibited from teaching face-to-face, and shunned by colleagues. Interventions given were prescribing Fluoxetine 20 mg per day and Clobazam 10 mg per day, a brief intervention using the FRAMES technique, psychoeducation about disease and drug effects and the duration of treatment, and an office visit. A worksite intervention was performed by the patient's husband. Antituberculosis drugs were monitored by both a pulmonologist and a psychiatrist. Her work-related problems were resolved through interventions at the school with psychoeducation about drug-resistant tuberculosis, the transmission method, the duration of treatment, and the side effects of the treatment. The results of the last sputum examination after one month of treatment showed drug resistance, and the patient was advised to undergo 18 months of treatment. The patient could finally work offline with fewer responsibilities after getting negative laboratory test results twice in a row. Conclusion Work-related psychosocial interventions are required to address rejection at work, which results in depression and nonadherence to treatment. Liaison services with social interventions at work in drug-resistant tuberculosis-infected patients are necessary to improve their quality of life and maintain their treatment adherence.

Improvements in Cardiometabolic Effects and Body Composition Outcomes Following an Online 8-Week Plant-Based Dietary and Lifestyle Worksite Intervention

Plant-based diets may positively impact body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors. An online 8-week plant-based dietary and lifestyle worksite intervention was implemented in spring 2021 among staff ( n = 52) at a public university in the southwestern United States. Participants attended weekly online small group counseling sessions and healthy living workshops with cooking classes. All measures and fasting blood draws were completed at baseline and 8-week post-intervention with changes analyzed using paired sample t-tests. Multiple linear regressions examined associations among knowledge gained and online attendance with outcomes. Results from paired sample t-tests indicated numerous statistically significant improvements from baseline to 8-week post-intervention: total cholesterol (mg/dL) (MBL = 193 ± 39, MPI = 176 ± 36), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (mg/dL) (MBL = 110 ± 33, MPI = 98 ± 30), body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) (MBL = 26.3 ± 6.3, MPI = 25.9 ± 6.1), fat mass (lb) (MBL = 62.0 ± 29.4, MPI = 60.3 ± 28.4), fat-free mass (lb) (MBL = 104.1 ± 29.4, MPI = 102.4 ± 19.6), phase angle (MBL = 5.1 ± .6, MPI = 5.0 ± .6), and diet quality (MBL = 62.4 ± 12.5, MPI = 75.2 ± 10.3). High-density lipoprotein cholestero l(HDL-C) decreased significantly (MBL = 65 ± 18, MPI = 61 ± 18). Knowledge negatively predicted LDL-C (B = −.226, P = .048) and positively predicted diet quality (B = .155, P = .021). Attendance at group sessions positively predicted phase angle (B = .055, P = .038). Findings demonstrate how a plant-based lifestyle can improve cardiometabolic health by reducing risk factors for chronic disease and enhancing body composition. Clinicians can support patients by encouraging plant-based diets.

Prevalence, determinants, and association of overweight/obesity with non-communicable disease-related biomedical indicators: A cross-sectional study in schoolteachers in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Overweight/obesity constitutes a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), whose global prevalence is growing rapidly, including in Afghanistan. However, the effects of risk factors on NCDs have rarely been studied in the educator workforce. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the prevalence, determinants, and association of overweight/obesity with NCD-related biomedical indicators among schoolteachers in Afghanistan. The sample comprised 600 schoolteachers aged 18 years and above. We conducted questionnaire interviews, anthropometric measurements, and blood biochemistry tests. The main explanatory variable was overweight/obesity (body mass index ≥ 25.0 kg/m2). NCD-related biomedical indicators were the outcome variables. Poisson regression models were applied to investigate the association between overweight/obesity and outcome variables. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 58.2%, which was significantly higher in women, those aged 41-50 years, married participants, and those with 10-20 years of working experience than in their counterparts. After adjusting for sociodemographic variables and lifestyle behaviors, overweight/obesity was significantly associated with hypertension (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33-2.51); elevated levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (aPR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.01-1.79), total cholesterol (aPR = 1.67, 95% CI:1.14-2.44), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (aPR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.10-1.50), and triglycerides (aPR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.57-2.50), and having three or more comorbidities (aPR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.47-2.47). Our findings demonstrated a high prevalence of overweight/obesity among schoolteachers. In addition, we found significant associations of overweight/obesity with a higher prevalence of hypertension; elevated serum levels of HbA1c, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides; and comorbid conditions in schoolteachers. The findings highlight the need for worksite interventions that promote weight control among schoolteachers with overweight/obesity to reduce the burden of NCDs.

Association of occupational noise exposure with hypertension: A cross-sectional study.

The effects of chronic occupational noise exposure on hypertension are debated. We aimed to investigate the association between occupational noise exposure and the prevalence of hypertension. The cross-sectional data were collected from 2017 to 2018 using occupational physical examination data from a local aircraft manufacturing enterprise in Xi'an. We categorized occupational noise exposure as high (≥85 dBA) and low noise exposure (<85 dBA). Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between occupational noise exposure and hypertension, and associations were further evaluated using subgroup analyses for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Of the 4746 participants (median age, 43 years; 73.4% men), 9.57% (454/4746) had hypertension and 32.4% (1540/4746) were exposed to high noise. Compared to the participants with low occupational exposure to noise, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for hypertension prevalence was 1.30 (1.05-1.62) for those with high occupational noise exposure. Subgroup analyses revealed that the noise-hypertension association only existed in young participants (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.21-2.40). This study revealed a harmful association between high occupational noise exposure and hypertension in young adults. The study suggests occupational noise exposure as a target for worksite interventions to prevent hypertension.

Industrial trans-fat: a cause of concern for Indian population

The trans-fats are a form of unsaturated fatty acids which contain one or more unconjugated double bonds in the trans-configuration. Trans-fat is found in natural sources such as dairy products and meat but the quantity of trans-fatty acid in natural sources is meagre. Most commonly they are found in industrial food products like bakery products, cookies and snacks. Several studies have identified increased industrial trans-fat consumption as harmful to human health. The major effects are on the cardiovascular system and central nervous system. To reduce the trans-fatty acid consumption, the global and national organizations have proposed various approach and strategies like WHO ‘Replace’ action plan strategy, implementation of trade policies and guidelines, work-site intervention strategies, improvements in hydrogenation technology, labeling of food products, behavioural change communication for population. Trans-fatty acid consumption is a modifiable risk factor. Planning and implementation of government policies and guidelines for reduction of trans-fatty acid levels in food product can have a significant impact. But behavioural change among general population is the key to reduce trans-fatty acid consumption.

Impact of a Novel Diabetes Prevention Intervention for Early Slow Weight Loss Responders Among Adults With Prediabetes: An Adaptive Trial.

Some people are slower to respond during lifestyle interventions. An adaptive "rescue" intervention may improve outcomes among slow responders. The impact of a worksite rescue intervention for early slow responders was evaluated. Employees ≥21 years old with prediabetes were stratified to intervention using a 2.5% weight loss (%WL) threshold at week 5. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 4 months using mixed-effect and linear regression models. Significant improvement occurred in mean %WL, glycemia, total cholesterol, and triglycerides in the standard compared with the adaptive (Group Lifestyle Balance Plus [GLB+]) intervention (all P≤ 0.01). However, GLB+ participants also experienced a significant reduction in %WL and glycemia (all P < 0.01). The %WL at week 5 significantly predicted %WL at 4 months (P < 0.0001). The between-group difference of 4-month %WL was not significant for someone achieving 2.5%WL at week 5. Diabetes prevention programs should consider weight loss success following 1 month of treatment and offer a rescue intervention to early slow weight loss responders.

The prevalence and determining factors of sleep disorders vary by gender in the Egyptian public officials: a large cross-sectional study

BackgroundSeveral studies have investigated sleep disorders in the general population. However, a few studies were conducted among the working population and none among the Egyptian workers. We aimed to assess the prevalence of sleep disorders and determine their associated factors. In a sample of 3143 Egyptian public officials, we collected, via a self-administered questionnaire, cross-sectional data on demographics, social, occupational, behavioral, and medical factors associated with sleep. The Jenkins sleep evaluation (JSEQ) questionnaire assessed four sleep disorders, and the logistic and linear regression models determined the associated factors.ResultsThe prevalence of sleep disorders was 26.2% and 14.5% in female and male Egyptian public officials. Common factors associated with sleep disorders in men and women were age, BMI, job demands and control, and history of chronic disease and depression. However, other associated factors varied by gender. Urban residence (aOR = 1.54 (1.10–2.17), overtime work (aOR = 1.60 (1.16–2.23), and low perceived family social support (aOR = 1.63 (1.06–2.52) in males, while higher income (aOR = 3.64 (1.71–7.73) in females were positively associated with sleep disorders. Higher education levels were associated positively in females and inversely in males with sleep disorders. These factors predicted 28% and 39% of the total variance in the JSEQ score in females and males, respectively. Moreover, the associated factors varied by the type of sleep disorder.ConclusionsThe determinants of sleep disorders varied by gender. Worksite interventions to improve job control and income and reduce chronic physical and mental disease risk are recommended to enhance sleep quality.

P05-16 Does the effect of steps per hour on ambulatory blood pressure differ between work hours and leisure time? A cross-sectional study among cleaners in Denmark

ObjectiveThe physical activity health paradox, describing contrasting long-term effects of domain-specific physical activity on health, states occupational physical activity (OPA) to be hazardous and leisure time physical activity (LTPA) to be beneficial for health. Yet, the acute effects of OPA and LTPA on cardiovascular risk factors are sparsely investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects on ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) from steps per hour during work and leisure time among cleaners in Denmark.MethodsData were obtained from a cluster randomized worksite intervention among 91 cleaners in Denmark. Data included a questionnaire, objective physical measurements of weight, height, BMI, ABP and steps per hour. The latter was measured during work and leisure time within a maximum of four continuous days. A preliminary linear regression analysis was conducted as a mixed model including random intercept and slope, allowing for both within- and between-participant variability. The analysis was adjusted for sex, age, job seniority, medication use, smoking, self-reported fitness and BMI. Changes in ABP (mmHg) were estimated per 100 steps/hour.ResultsMean steps/hour were 1333.4 (SD ± 404.1) during work and 530.8 (SD ± 234.1) during leisure time. The resting ABP was systolic 122.4 mmHg (SD ± 20.5) and diastolic 80.7 mmHg (SD ± 12.8). In total, 15.4% of the population were hypertensive (≥140/90 mmHg, or using anti-hypertensives). The ABP did not seem to differ from exposure to steps taken during work (systolic -0.44 mmHg, 95% CI: -1.07-0.20, diastolic 0.04 mmHg, 95% CI, -0.43-0.36) and leisure (systolic -0.42 mmHg, 95% CI, -1.54-0.70, diastolic 0.30 mmHg, 95% CI, -0.49-1.08). Either did the amount of steps taken seem to affect the ABP during work or leisure.ConclusionOur findings show no significant association between steps per hour and ABP, and no contrasting effects between work and leisure time. These acute mechanisms fostering the divergent results need to be further investigated to improve the understanding of the physical activity health paradox.

P08-07 The effects of an integrated approach to a worksite intervention on the mental health and wellbeing of cleaners: A randomized stepped wedge worksite study

BackgroundDespite an intensive focus on worker health over the last three decades, the prevalence of work-related diseases remain largely unchanged in Denmark and internationally. In recent years, American and Australian researchers have developed new approaches to integrate health promotion, prevention of work-related disease and organization of work. The aim of this study was to examine whether an Integrated Approach to Health, Wellbeing and Productivity at Work (ITASPA) intervention would promote the mental health and wellbeing of workers.MethodsTwo worksites were recruited and offered the intervention and 76 cleaners agreed to participate in the scientific evaluation. At each worksite, employees developed initiatives to improve the psychosocial work environment, building on top of existing work environment programs, practices and procedures. The developed initiatives did not hold any physical activity components. The intervention was planned to run for 12 months, and this analysis presents data from the first of four follow-ups. Data on mental health and wellbeing were obtained using the SF12 and Orebro questionnaires. Using a stepped wedge design, participants functioned as their own controls. Data were analysed using a linear mixed model with random slope and intercept. Intercorrelation of repeated measurements was included in the models as random effect.ResultsThe results showed significant decrease in sleeping problems (-4.04, 95% CI, -5,32- -2.75) after the intervention. Moreover, there was a non-significant increase in the amount of time participants had felt relaxed and calm (0.33, 95% CI, -0.10-0.96) and a small non-significant decrease in the amount of time participants had felt sad (-0.004, 95% CI, -0.42-0.41). Finally, results showed a small non-significant increase in how much physical pain had challenged the daily work (0.04, 95% CI, -0.21-0.30).ConclusionThe findings show that ITASPA intervention led to significantly reduced sleep problems. There was a tendency of improved self-ratings of feeling relaxed and calm as well as reduced feeling sadness. The intervention did not decrease ratings of whether physical pain challenged the daily work, however, the worksites decided to focus on the psychosocial work environment and thus changes in mental health are expected to show greatest effects.

Effects of worksite exercise intervention (PRODET®) on well-being at work and capability in performing work-related sedentary tasks: A pilot study.

Companies have tried to carry out interventions in order to mitigate the risks associated with losses in productivity and the health of employees. This intervention trial evaluated the effect of a supervised exercise intervention based on aerobic capacity and strength on well-being at work and capability in performing work tasks. The sample was composed of 67 participants (N = 67, mean age 34.31 years) and investigated a 12-week group physical exercise program in the workplace, two days per week for 50 minutes, which was supervised and based on aerobic endurance and strength. The 67 subjects were working-age office workers, deemed sedentary and randomized into an intervention (N = 40) or control (N = 27) group. Among them, 33 were men (N = 33; 49.25%) and 34 were women (N = 34, 50.75%). Outcomes were assessed pre- and post-test in both groups. The Mann-Whitney U and Chi-Square tests were performed to compare the characteristics of the intervention and control group. η2 = z/(n-1) was calculated as effect size rates. The program showed statistically significant effects on strength endurance (P = 0.020, η2 = 0.08), the loss of fat percentage (P = 0.015, η2 = 0.09), lower limb power (P = 0.020, η2 = 0.08) and QoL (P = 0.0001, η2 = 0.39 for the physical health outcome, and P = 0.0001, η2 = 0.35 for the outcome of total scores of mental health). The intervention had an impact on the endurance, fat percentage loss and QoL of the workers whose occupations were based on sedentary tasks.

Qualitative comparative analysis of the implementation fidelity of a workplace sedentary reduction intervention

BackgroundStand and Move at Work was a 12-month, multicomponent, peer-led (intervention delivery personnel) worksite intervention to reduce sedentary time. Although successful, the magnitude of reduced sedentary time varied by intervention worksite. The purpose of this study was to use a qualitative comparative analysis approach to examine potential explanatory factors that could distinguish higher from lower performing worksites based on reduced sedentary time.MethodsWe assessed 12-month changes in employee sedentary time objectively using accelerometers at 12 worksites. We ranked worksites based on the magnitude of change in sedentary time and categorized sites as higher vs. lower performing. Guided by the integrated-Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework, we created an indicator of intervention fidelity related to adherence to the protocol and competence of intervention delivery personnel (i.e., implementer). We then gathered information from employee interviews and surveys as well as delivery personnel surveys. These data were aggregated, entered into a truth table (i.e., a table containing implementation construct presence or absence), and used to examine differences between higher and lower performing worksites.ResultsThere were substantive differences in the magnitude of change in sedentary time between higher (-75.2 min/8 h workday, CI95: -93.7, -56.7) and lower (-30.3 min/8 h workday, CI95: -38.3, -22.7) performing worksites. Conditions that were present in all higher performing sites included implementation of indoor/outdoor walking route accessibility, completion of delivery personnel surveys, and worksite culture supporting breaks (i.e., adherence to protocol). A similar pattern was found for implementer willingness to continue role and employees using face-to-face interaction/stair strategies (i.e., delivery personnel competence). However, each of these factors were also present in some of the lower performing sites suggesting we were unable to identify sufficient conditions to predict program success.ConclusionsHigher intervention adherence and implementer competence is necessary for greater program success. These findings illustrate the need for future research to identify what factors may influence intervention fidelity, and in turn, effectiveness.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02566317. Registered 2 October 2015, first participant enrolled 11 January 2016.

Effectiveness of a worksite lifestyle intervention to reduce BMI among farmworkers in California: a cluster randomised controlled trial.

To evaluate the effectiveness of PASOS SALUDABLES, a culturally tailored lifestyle intervention to prevent obesity and diabetes among Latino farmworkers, when implemented at large scale in the worksite. This study was a two-arm parallel group, cluster randomised controlled trial, where participants received either a twelve-session lifestyle intervention (intervention) or six-session leadership training (control) at their worksite. The intervention was delivered by Promotoras in Spanish. All sessions were conducted at the worksites (ranches) during meal breaks. Blinded, trained research assistants collected socio-demographic and outcome data (i.e. BMI as primary outcome and waist circumference, glycated Hb (HbA1c), cholesterol and blood pressure as secondary outcomes) at baseline and follow-up assessments (i.e. 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 1·5 years). Recruitment and intervention delivery occurred at twelve study ranches in Oxnard, California. We enrolled farmworkers hired by a large berry grower company, who were ≥18 years old, spoke Spanish and were free of diabetes at screening. A total of 344 workers were enrolled in the intervention and 271 in the control group. The intervention resulted in attenuated increase of BMI over time; however, the difference in trend between groups was not significant (β = -0·01 for slope difference, P = 0·29). No significantly different trend by group was observed in secondary outcomes (P > 0·27). The worksite intervention, implemented during meal breaks, did not reduce BMI or other clinical indicators. Nevertheless, this study supports the feasibility of recruiting and engaging the Latino farmworker population in workplace health promotion interventions.