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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Lorna T Haughton, MPH1, Nikki Caito, MS, RD1, Susan N. Lukwago, MS, RD2, Diana Hawkins, MEd, CHES3, and Matthew W Kreuter, PhD, MPH1. (1) Health Communication Research Laboratory, School of Public Health, Saint Louis University, 3545 Lafayette, Salus Center Suite 408, Saint Louis, MO 63104, 314-977-4045, haughton@slu.edu, (2) Health Communication Research Laboratory, Saint Louis University School of Public Health, 321 North Spring Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108, (3) Bureau of Chronic Disease Control, Missouri Department of Health, 920 Wildwood, PO Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Purpose: The aim of this study was to help worksites create policy and environmental changes in the area of cardiovascular health. Methods: Twenty randomly selected worksites in the metropolitan St. Louis area participated. Face-to-face interviews with a representative from each worksite were conducted as well as on-site observations. Data were collected on policies and environmental characteristics related to tobacco, diet, and physical activity, using a tool derived from the (Name of original program). These data were processed and customized reports unique to each worksite were created. The reports consisted of ideas for creating work environments and policies that increase opportunities for employees to live heart healthy lifestyles. Results: All worksites had written smoke-free policies, with the majority (82%) banning smoking inside the building but none banning smoking on company property. While less than half of the worksites had physical activity facilities for employee use (41%), only 6% had bike racks available for employees. Programs, incentives, and worksite support also varied: 18% of worksites offered smoking cessation programs, 37% percent offered a nutrition/weight control programs, 17% offered incentives for engaging in physical activity, and 18% worksites had a wellness committee. The process of conducting these worksite assessments, examples of the customized reports, and interventions effects will also be presented. Conclusion: Policy and environmental factors affecting worksite health can be measured and intervened upon using new tools that are brief and simple to use. Approaches like those described in this poster should be considered by health educators working in worksite settings.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Worksite, Chronic (CVD)
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.