[A correspondence behavioral approach for 6 lifestyle's improvements in a workplace]

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this research was to examine the effect of a mediated minimal behavioral intervention aimed at lifestyle improvement in with reference to physical activity, healthy diet, appropriate alcohol consumption, quitting or decreasing smoking, dental care, and relaxation, coping with stress. Behavioral strategies used in this program were self-checks for these 6 daily habits, with goal setting for behavioral changes, and self-monitoring. The program ran for one month and support was provided for the participants to master behavioral techniques of self-control by explanation in the application format and rewards which were presented post intervention.

Methods: The participants were 435 office workers, 255 males (mean age: 46.6 years) and 180 females (mean age: 34.4 years). One healthcare provider managed the total intervention for all participants. Each selected optionally one of the 6 habits and 3 target behaviors from 10-12 realistic examples of behavior change on an application form. They received a monitoring sheet and a brief educational pamphlet for their selected habits. Next, they monitored and recorded their target behavior every day for one month. The primary outcome measures were behavior changes at the end of the intervention period and at 6 months thereafter.

Results: The results showed high compliance of application rates (7.8%) and record's performance ratios (80%). All habits improved significantly for a total of 18 concrete behavior traits: for example daily walking (P < .01), using stairs (P < .01), vegetable intake (P < .01), eating speed (P < .05), alcohol drinking frequency (P < .01), drinking frequency except at home (P < .05), cigarettes per day (P < .01), breathing cigarette smoke by the lungs (P < .01), teeth brushing frequency (P < .01), gum brushing frequency (P < .01), overall sleep time (P < .01), and taking a bath comfortably (P < .01). Two hundred and 72 (62.5%) subjects completed questionnaires after 6 months. Comparing pre, post, follow-up questionnaire, results 17 concrete behavior traits improved over the period studied.

Conclusion: The intervention appeared to prompt and reinforce starting and practicing improved behavior because of the attractive application format, letter and rewards. Therefore, it was concluded that correspondence behavioral intervention is cost-effective and useful for lifestyle modification in the general population.