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The Worksite Heart Health Improvement Project ( WHHIP ): Feasibility and Efficacy
Author(s) -
Flannery Kelly,
Resnick Barbara,
Galik Elizabeth,
Lipscomb Jane,
McPhaul Kathleen,
Shaughnessy Marianne
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
public health nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.471
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1525-1446
pISSN - 0737-1209
DOI - 10.1111/j.1525-1446.2012.01023.x
Subject(s) - blood pressure , medicine , body mass index , physical therapy , health education , heart rate , intervention (counseling) , nursing , gerontology , public health
Objective Test the feasibility and efficacy of the Worksite Heart Health Improvement Project (WHHIP). Design The WHHIP was a quasi‐experimental 6‐month pilot performed in 2 long‐term care facilities. Sample Thirty‐nine female minority nursing assistants participated in this study with a mean age of 42.39 (SD = 12.79) years. Measurements Measures were collected at baseline, 3, and 6 months and included blood pressure, lipid panel, body mass index, physical activity levels, diet behaviors, depressive symptoms, and self‐efficacy outcomes. Intervention The 3‐month WHHIP intervention included 3 components: environmental and policy assessment; education; and on‐going motivation. The control site received education only. Results Subject participation averaged 47% and 58% in exercise and diet related activities, respectively. Generalized estimating equations showed the treatment group showed significant improvements in depressive symptoms ( p = .012), systolic blood pressure ( p = .028), total cholesterol ( p = .002) and triglycerides ( p = .011) over time. The treatment group also showed trends for improvement in diet behaviors ( p = .069) and diastolic blood pressure ( p = .073). Conclusions This study provided feasibility evidence for the WHHIP and preliminary evidence that the WHHIP can improve heart healthy behaviors and subsequent outcomes among nursing assistants in long‐term care settings.