HEALTH PROMOTION AT WORK

This study examined health promotion intervention amongst council empl oyees and determined the extent that any changes were subsequently mai ntained. The results showed that even with modest intervention, benefi cial changes were observed in alcohol consumption, diastolic blood pre ssure, body mass, waist/hips ratio, body fat, aerobic capacity and arm strength. Behavioural measures tended not to change, but this could b e a consequence of unfocused questioning or insufficient intensity of the health promotion activities. The sickness and absenteeism rates im proved during the intervention and maintenance phases, making a strong case for health promotion from the employer's perspective. A critique of the experimental procedure suggested that the testing venue, the m ethods of obtaining consent, the continuity of subjects, initial attit udes, the intensity of the intervention and the project delivery were all features that would contribute to a successful outcome.