THE UNIVERSITY-OF-VIRGINIA HEALTH PROMOTION AND DISEASE PREVENTION PROGRAM

Introduction: Proof of effectiveness now exists for many health promot ion and disease prevention practices, yet the importance of this knowl edge is not widely appreciated, and a large percentage of the populati on does not receive this care. Universities with comprehensive academi c medical centers are particularly appropriate places for providing he alth promotion programs. The University of Virginia began a health pro motion and disease prevention program for employees in 1990. Methods: Periodic health risk appraisal, with follow-up and selected interventi ons, is offered to approximately 14,000 employees as a cost-free fring e benefit. Health risks are assessed with a modification of the Carter Center Health Risk Appraisal. Results are given to participants in gr oup sessions; referrals are made for clinical preventive services and interventions, as needed. Results: During the first three years, 29% o f the employee population participated in the program. Participants we re more likely to be young, female and not African American. Nearly 36 % had one or more risk factors, with an average of 3.6 risk factors ov erall. Participants on average had 1.8 risk factors for cardiovascular disease; 0.3 for cancer; 0.6 for injury; 0.1 for alcohol abuse; and 0 .7 for mental health. Nonparticipants were not receiving similar compr ehensive health risk appraisal elsewhere. Conclusions: University of V irginia employees have multiple health risks, not detected through the ir usual health care, for which effective interventions are available. This population probably reflects conditions throughout the state and nation. Academic medical centers should place high priority on establ ishing health promotion programs as part of their responsibilities to society.