THE EFFECTS OF A HEALTH PROMOTION HEALTH PROTECTION INTERVENTION ON BEHAVIOR-CHANGE - THE WELLWORKS STUDY

Objectives. This study assessed the effects of a 2-year integrated hea lth promotion-health protection work-site intervention on changes in d ietary habits and cigarette smoking. Methods. A randomized, controlled intervention study used the work site as the unit of intervention and analysis; it included 24 predominantly manufacturing work sites in Ma ssachusetts (250-2500 workers per site). Behaviors were assessed in se lf-administered surveys (n = 2386; completion rates = 61% at baseline, 62% at final). Three key intervention elements targeted health behavi or change: (I)joint worker-management participation in program plannin g and implementation, (2) consultation with management on work-site en vironmental changes, and (3) health education programs. Results. Signi ficant differences between intervention and control work sites include d reductions in the percentage of calories consumed as fat (2.3% vs 1. 5% kcal) and increases in servings of fruit and vegetables (10% vs 4% increase). The intervention had a significant effect on fiber consumpt ion among skilled and unskilled laborers. No significant effects were observed for smoking cessation. Conclusions. Although the size of the effects of this intervention are modest, on a populationwide basis eff ects of this size could have a large impact on cancer-related and coro nary heart disease end points.