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Meta-Analysis
. 2022 Feb;79(2):77-87.
doi: 10.1136/oemed-2020-107314. Epub 2021 May 25.

Workplace interventions that aim to improve employee health and well-being in male-dominated industries: a systematic review

Paige M Hulls  1   2 , Rebecca C Richmond  3   2 , Richard M Martin  3   2   4 , Yanaina Chavez-Ugalde  3   5 , Frank de Vocht  3   5   6
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Workplace interventions that aim to improve employee health and well-being in male-dominated industries: a systematic review

Paige M Hulls et al. Occup Environ Med. 2022 Feb.

Abstract

The published evidence on whether workplace health and well-being interventions are as effective in male-dominated industries compared with mixed-gender environments has not been synthesised. We performed a systematic review of workplace interventions aimed at improving employee health and well-being in male-dominated industries. We searched Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Database and Web of Science for articles describing workplace interventions in male-dominated industries that address employee health and well-being. The primary outcome was to determine the effectiveness of the intervention and the process evaluation (intervention delivery and adherence). To assess the quality of evidence, Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias Tool was used. Due to the heterogeneity of reported outcomes, meta-analysis was performed for only some outcomes and a narrative synthesis with albatross plots was presented. After full-text screening, 35 studies met the eligibility criteria. Thirty-two studies delivered the intervention face-to-face, while two were delivered via internet and one using postal mail. Intervention adherence ranged from 50% to 97%, dependent on mode of delivery and industry. 17 studies were considered low risk of bias. Albatross plots indicated some evidence of positive associations, particularly for interventions focusing on musculoskeletal disorders. There was little evidence of intervention effect on body mass index and systolic or diastolic blood pressure. Limited to moderate evidence of beneficial effects was found for workplace health and well-being interventions conducted within male-dominated industries. Such interventions in the workplace can be effective, despite a different culture in male-dominated compared with mixed industries, but are dependent on delivery, industry and outcome. CRD42019161283.

Keywords: health personnel; mental health; occupational health; occupational stress.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA flow diagram. PRISMA, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Risk of Bias Tool.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Albatross plot.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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