The impact of two workplace-based health risk appraisal interventions on employee lifestyle parameters, mental health and work ability: results of a randomized controlled trial

K. Addley, S. Boyd, Robert Kerr, P. McQuillan, J. Houdmont, M. McCrory

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Health risk appraisals (HRA) are a common typeof workplace health promotion programmeoffered by American employers. In the UnitedKingdom, evidence of their effectiveness for promotinghealth behaviour change remains inconclusive.This randomized controlled trialexamined the effects of two HRA interventionson lifestyle parameters, mental health and workability in a UK context. A total of 180 employeeswere randomized into one of three groups:Group A (HRA augmented with health promotionand education activities), Group B (HRAonly) and Group C (control, no intervention).After 12months, changes in mean scoring in 10lifestyle, mental health and work ability indiceswere compared, Groups A and B demonstratednon-significant improvements in 70% and 80%,respectively, compared with controls (40%).Odds ratios revealed that, compared with thecontrol group, Group A was 29.2 (95% CI:9.22–92.27) times more likely to report a perceivedchange in lifestyle behaviour; Group B4.4 times (95% CI: 1.65–11.44). In conclusion,participation in the HRA was associated with ahigher likelihood of perceived lifestyle behaviourchange which was further increased in the augmentedHRA group, thereby providingpreliminary evidence that HRA and augmentedHRA in particular may helpUKemployeesmakepositive healthy lifestyle changes.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)247-258
JournalHealth Education Research
Volume29
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 2014

Bibliographical note

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