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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Sonja Armbruster, MAC and Kristina Helmer. Administration, Sedgwick County Health Department, 1900 E. 9th Street, Wichita, KS 67214, 316-660-7335, sarmbrus@sedgwick.gov

Objectives This project's objectives included development of a best practice worksite wellness initiative that included staff “challenges” along with policy and organizational changes. The goal was to create a healthier worksite, addressing chronic disease risk reduction through worksite physical activity and nutrition interventions. The purpose was to build technical assistance capacity by providing leadership and support for worksite wellness initiatives in a large Midwest, urban community.

Methods Three 10-week healthy behavior-change “challenges” were developed and implemented in multiple worksites for five agencies based on previous CDC worksite wellness challenges. Participants were recruited, completed stages-of-change surveys, set goals, recorded daily physical activity and fruit/vegetable consumption, participated in teams, received mid-point and final incentives, and completed post-challenge surveys.

Results Among 241 unduplicated individuals registered for one or more of the challenges, 183 completed at least one “challenge.” Participants engaged in 710,340 minutes of physical activity in 30 weeks. Most participants reported advancement in their stage of change related to physical activity and nutrition. Participants averaged 3.22 servings of fruits/vegetables daily. Additionally, 75% reported interest in continued worksite wellness programs; 76% that worksite challenges helped change their behavior. Changes in social norms were reported; an emphasis on “healthy meetings” changed foods selected. “Challenge” activities captured the attention of decision-makers, resulting in a new multi-department wellness committee (for 2700 employees).

Conclusions Lessons learned from this initiative increased the local health department's capacity to lead worksite wellness initiatives and policy development. The project was successful in improving individual healthy behaviors and achieving organizational change.

Learning Objectives:

• Develop a 10 week Health Challenge at their worksite.
• Identify strategies for organizational policy changes related to physical activity and nutrition.

Keywords: Worksite, Health Education

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered

Handout (.pdf format, 74.2 kb)