 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Josephine W. Hinchman, MPH and Adrienne D. Mims, MD, MPH. Prevention and Health Promotion, Kaiser Permanente, 3495 Piedmont Road, NE, Building 9, Atlanta, GA 30305, 404-504-5691, josephine.hinchman@kp.org
The health benefits of both regular physical activity and the consumption of five fruits and vegetables a day are well documented. Yet, among adults in the state of Georgia, only 24% are regularly active and only 22.2% eat five or more fruits and vegetables a day 1,2. Methods to promote physical activity and nutrition behaviors need to involve environmental support, including the work-site.
Since 1999, Kaiser Permanente of Georgia has implemented a work-site health promotion program for its 2,800 employees, including clinicians, technicians, nursing staff and administrative personnel. The annual, 10-week program is based on the Stages of Change (SOC) Theory. The program focuses on both physical activity and consumption of fruits and vegetables and promotes behavior change using incentives, goal-setting, self-monitoring, pedometers, managerial support and team competition.
Formative evaluations are conducted annually to assess the program's strengths and opportunities for improvement. Measurement consists of a participant self-report, pre/post survey. Data are compared for significant associations using t-test and chi-square analysis. Program management utilizes both statistical and observational findings to tailor program activities, reorient program goals and streamline the program structure.
The 2002 program noted a 200% increase in participation (n=641), plus 50% program completion and 29% goal completion rates. A paired sample t-test found significant increase from mean pretest to posttest scores for SOC for physical activity (t(258)=-9.451, p<0.001), and fruit and vegetable consumption (t(258)=-11.392, p<0.001). A significant deviation between no stage movement and forward stage movement was found for physical activity (c2 (1) = 6.224, p<0.05).
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Worksite, Evaluation
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment