259801 Effectiveness of integrated interventions in corrections: Results from longitudinal data

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 : 2:50 PM - 3:10 PM

Martin G. Cherniack, MD , Ergonomic Technology Center, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT
Background and Objective(s) HITEC is an integrative and comprehensive intervention to improve health of Connecticut COs an occupation with recognized physical and emotional health risks1. Organizational and individual health outcomes were compared between two facilities: a professional site (Site A) that was targeted with a series of best practices involving workplace health promotion (WHP) and ergonomics and a participatory site (site B) where all interventions were directed by a CO Design Team (DT). Methods HITEC followed the principles of Participatory Action Research (PAR)2, governed by a study wide steering committee (SWSC) Site A interventions were based on WHP best practices such as newsletters, HRAs and health coaching, and a standardized weight loss program3. DT sponsored interventions included a CO directed weight loss program a ‘civility' program around officer-supervisor conflict, and lower body injury avoidance/footwear program. Intervention effectiveness was assessed three times at 18 month intervals. Assessments included surveys; physiologic tests and short surveys and focus groups. Results Over 80% were overweight, 20% were hypertensive, 31% had significant depression, and >50% had no regular exercise. For weight loss, initial participation was higher at Site B (83 vs. 32) and weight loss (4.1%) was twice as high. Normotensives and prehypertensives were less likely to become hypertensive at Site B (21% vs 37%); but hypertension reduction was lower. Lost work time was lower at both sites than at non-intervention sites. Conclusion(s). Participation levels and CO acceptance was dramatically higher at the participatory site. Whether advantages are sustainable remains to be proven.

Learning Areas:
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Occupational health and safety

Learning Objectives:
Title of session Toward Total Worker HealthTM: U.S. and international efforts to integrate worksite health promotion with safety and health Title: Effectiveness of integrated interventions in corrections: results from longitudinal data Au: Cherniack MG, Dussetschleger J, Faghri P, Henning R, Morse T, Warren N Background and Objective(s) Objectives: 1. Explain operational concepts behind integrating occupational safety and health and workplace health promotion 2. Demonstrate 'toolkit' type instruments for workforce developed health and work organizational initiatives 3. Analyze the comparative effectiveness of employee designed versus administratively directed programs HITEC is an integrative and comprehensive intervention to improve health of Connecticut COs an occupation with recognized physical and emotional health risks1. Organizational and individual health outcomes were compared between two facilities: a professional site (Site A) that was targeted with a series of best practices involving workplace health promotion (WHP) and ergonomics and a participatory site (site B) where all interventions were directed by a CO Design Team (DT). Methods HITEC followed the principles of Participatory Action Research (PAR)2, governed by a study wide steering committee (SWSC) Site A interventions were based on WHP best practices such as newsletters, HRAs and health coaching, and a standardized weight loss program3. DT sponsored interventions included a CO directed weight loss program a ‘civility’ program around officer-supervisor conflict, and lower body injury avoidance/footwear program. Intervention effectiveness was assessed three times at 18 month intervals. Assessments included surveys; physiologic tests and short surveys and focus groups. Results COS are an unhealthy group. At baseline, over 80% had excess body fat/obese patterns, 20% were hypertensive, 31% had significant depression, and >50% had no regular exercise. For weight loss, initial participation was higher at Site B (83 vs. 32) and weight loss (4.1%) was twice as high. Normotensives and prehypertensives were less likely to become hypertensive at Site B (21% vs 37%); but hypertension reduction was lower. Lost work time was lower at both sites than at non-intervention sites. Conclusion(s). Intervention sites appeared superior to non-intervention sites. Participation levels and CO acceptance was dramatically higher at the participatory site. Whether advantages are sustainable remains to be proven. References: 1. Tiesman HM, Hendricks SA, Bell JL, Amandus HA. Eleven Years of Occupational Mortality in Law Enforcement: The Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, 1992-2002. AJIM 53:940-949, 2010. 2. Henning R, Warren N, Robertson M, Faghri P, Cherniack M. CPH-NEW Research Team. Workplace Health Protection and Promotion Through Participatory Ergonomics: An Integrated Approach. 2009; 124 S1:26-35. 3. Faghri PD, Benson NR, Duffy VB, Cherniack MG. Worksite weight loss intervention for employees in stressful workplaces: A pilot study and baseline survey indicators of success. Submitted to the Journal of Obesity and Weight Loss Therapy. (Submitted January 2012).

Keywords: Ergonomics, Participatory Action Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the principal investigator on the study that is the object of the abstract
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.