Long-term effects of a worksite health promotion program for firefighters

Abstract

Objective: To describe effects of 2 worksite health promotion programs for firefighters, both immediate outcomes and the long-term consequences for 4 years following the interventions.

Methods: At baseline, 599 firefighters were assessed, randomized by fire station to control and 2 different intervention conditions, and reevaluated with 6 annual follow-up measurements.

Results: Both a team-centered peer-taught curriculum and an individual motivational interviewing intervention demonstrated positive effects on BMI, with team effects on nutrition behavior and physical activity at one year. Most differences between intervention and control groups dissipated at later annual assessments. However, the trajectory of behaviors across time generally was positive for all groups, consistent with lasting effects and diffusion of program benefits across experimental groups within the worksites.

Conclusions: Although one-year programmatic effects did not remain over time, the long-term pattern of behaviors suggested these worksites as a whole were healthier more than 3 years following the interventions.