Effect of the Heart At Work program on awareness of risk factors, self-efficacy, and health behaviors

Abstract

This study evaluates the effects of the American Heart Association's Heart At Work program on cardiovascular disease risk factor awareness, self-efficacy, and health behaviors. A prospective, quasi-experimental research design was used to assess the impact of the program at two factory sites (one intervention and one control). A total of 633 employees participated. Intervention site respondents significantly improved their knowledge of blood pressure management, the relationship between nutrition and cardiovascular disease, and heart attack risk factors. They also were more likely to begin treatment for hypertension, to report fewer sick days, and to have plans to improve their diet and lose weight. These findings suggest that the Heart At Work program had a favorable overall impact.