The impact of the Worksite Heart Health Improvement Project on work ability: a pilot study

Abstract

Objective: To test the efficacy of the Worksite Heart Health Improvement Project (WHHIP).

Methods: The WHHIP was a quasi-experimental, 6-month pilot performed in two long-term care facilities. Thirty-nine minority female nursing assistants participated in this study. The 3-month WHHIP intervention focused on reducing cardiovascular disease risk by increasing physical activity and reducing the amount of salt and fat consumed. The intervention included three components: environmental and policy assessment; education; and ongoing motivation. The control site received education only. Measures were collected at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months and included work ability, job stress, and job satisfaction.

Results: Generalized estimating equations showed that the treatment group demonstrated significant improvements in work ability (P = 0.049).

Conclusions: There was preliminary evidence that the WHHIP improved work ability, and future research should assess the impact of improved work ability on patients.