METHODS AND IMPACT OF HEALTH SCREENING FOR HOSPITAL STAFF

This study examines: (1) the impact of two methods of giving screening results on health behaviour and beliefs, evaluated in a randomized co ntrolled trial. (2) The association between uptake of screening and he alth risk behaviours and beliefs. Two methods of feedback of screening results were given: simple informational feedback, and more extensive feedback, including target-setting and a written contract. At six mon th follow-up, those who received simple informational feedback had los t less weight and had increased their exercise less than those who rec eived more extensive feedback. Attenders believed more strongly in the relationship between lifestyle and health, perceived themselves as le ss healthy than others and scored higher on the GHQ than staff who did not attend for screening. These results suggest that belief in the ef fectiveness of lifestyle change in promoting health, and anxiety about health, can influence uptake of screening. Second, the method of pres enting screening results can influence the impact of screening on subs equent behaviour change.