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Worksite wellness health benefits are sustained after one year
Author(s) -
Allen Jorie C,
Tagliaferro Anthony R,
JansonSand Colette H,
Ronan Anne M
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.23.1_supplement.723.4
Subject(s) - medicine , waist , fingerstick , psychological intervention , blood pressure , physical therapy , outreach , metabolic syndrome , gerontology , diabetes mellitus , endocrinology , obesity , psychiatry , political science , law
Results of our earlier study suggested that worksite health interventions can identify and modify risk factors for type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular disease. After screening and monthly lifestyle education, BMI, Total Cholesterol, and Triglycerides were improved from Baseline in the Experimental (E) group (p = 0.05, p = 0.003, p= 0.013 respectively) with no improved measures in the Control (C) group. In addition, mean MetS risk factors increased in C (p = 0.013) and decreased in E (p= 0.04). Because it is not clear if positive effects are sustained, the present study was a 1 yr follow‐up. Subjects (23 C, 20 E) were screened at 12 and 24 months. All subjects were given test results and sent quarterly health newsletters. Lifestyle classes for the E group were held quarterly. Fasting glucose and blood lipids were measured by fingerstick. Blood pressure, height, weight, body composition and waist circumference were measured by standard protocol. No statistical differences in any measure from 12 months were seen at 24 months in E or C groups. In summary, risk factors in the C group remained unchanged and the improvement in risk factors in the E group was sustained in the follow‐up year. Taken together, these findings suggest that worksite health interventions are effective in reducing health risks and remain so over time. Sponsored by UNH Office for Research & Outreach Scholarship and UNHCE.