Efficacy to effectiveness: Is it successful in the school environment?

Background: The efficacy of physical activity in improving cardiovascular disease risk profiles has been well established. However, the effectiveness of health promotion programs implemented at the community level has not been thoroughly examined. Therefore, this study examined the effectiveness of a school-based work-site wellness program in improving cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Method: Using a community-based participatory research model, a work-site wellness intervention was implemented in a rural public school system in Southwestern Oklahoma. During the 2005-2006 school year, 202 participants completed a pre intervention screening for cardiovascular disease risk factors followed by a physical activity promotion program. Post intervention screening was conducted after a 6 month period. During both screening sessions, body composition, blood pressure, lipids, glucose and self-reported physical activity levels were assessed.

Results: During the post intervention screening, compared to pre intervention levels, participants had lower total and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (t = 5.9, p < 0.0001, and t = 2.6, p = 0.01 respectively) and lower systolic blood pressure (t = 2.9, p = 0.004). Compared to women, men had significantly larger drops in total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein -cholesterol following the intervention (F = 3.8, p = 0.02; and F = 4.9, p = 0.03 respectively).

Conclusions: Changes in cardiovascular disease risk factors can occur among school employees by generating interest in personal health and engaging school personnel in a community effort to improve employee health profiles. Promotion of physical activity can be effectively delivered in the school environment.