Open AccessDisseminating Evidence-Based Interventions in Small, Low-Wage Worksites: A Randomized Controlled Trial in King County, Washington (2014–2017)
Author(s) -
Peggy A. Han,
Kristen Hammerback,
Marlana Kohn,
Christine M. Kava,
Kwun Chuen Gary Chan,
Amanda T. Parrish,
Claire Allen,
Christian D. Helfrich,
Caitlin Mayotte,
Shirley A. A. Beresford,
Jeffrey R. Harris
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.2019.305313
Subject(s) - psychological intervention , randomized controlled trial , dissemination , intervention (counseling) , medicine , public health , gerontology , environmental health , nursing , political science , surgery , law
Objectives. To determine whether (1) participating in HealthLinks , and (2) adding wellness committees to HealthLinks increases worksites' evidence-based intervention (EBI) implementation. Methods. We developed HealthLinks to disseminate EBIs to small, low-wage worksites. From 2014 to 2017, we conducted a site-randomized trial in King County, Washington, with 68 small worksites (20-200 employees). We assigned worksites to 1 of 3 arms: HealthLinks , HealthLinks plus wellness committee ( HealthLinks+ ), or delayed control. At baseline, 15 months, and 24 months, we assessed worksites' EBI implementation on a 0% to 100% scale and employees' perceived support for their health behaviors. Results. Postintervention EBI scores in both intervention arms ( HealthLinks and HealthLinks+ ) were significantly higher than in the control arm at 15 months (51%, 51%, and 23%, respectively) and at 24 months (33%, 37%, and 24%, respectively; P < .001). Employees in the intervention arms perceived greater support for their health at 15 and 24 months than did employees in control worksites. Conclusions. HealthLinks is an effective strategy for disseminating EBIs to small worksites in low-wage industries. Public Health Implications. Future research should focus on scaling up HealthLinks , improving EBI maintenance, and measuring impact of these on health behavior.