Reliability and validity testing of the CDC Worksite Health ScoreCard: an assessment tool to help employers prevent heart disease, stroke, and related health conditions.

OBJECTIVE: To develop, evaluate, and improve the reliability and validity of the CDC Worksite Health ScoreCard (HSC). METHODS: We tested interrater reliability by piloting the HSC at 93 worksites, examining question response concurrence between two representatives from each worksite. We conducted cognitive interviews and site visits to evaluate face validity of items and refined the instrument for general distribution. RESULTS: The mean question concurrence rate was 77%. Respondents reported the tool to be useful, and on average 49% of all possible interventions were in place at the surveyed worksites. The interviews highlighted issues undermining reliability and validity, which were addressed in the final version of the instrument. CONCLUSIONS: The revised HSC is a reasonably valid and reliable tool for assessing worksite health promotion programs, policies, and environmental supports directed at preventing cardiovascular disease.

A descriptive evaluation of CDC's LEAN Works! Leading employees to activity and nutrition--a Web-based employer tool for workplace obesity management.

PURPOSE: The study aim was to determine the utility of and satisfaction with a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web-based employer tool, CDC's LEAN Works!, which provides evidence-based recommendations and promising practices for obesity prevention and control at worksites. DESIGN: This study examined employers' natural usage (i.e., without any study parameters on how, when, or how much to use the Web site and its resources) and impressions of the Web site. SETTING: Employers of varying sizes, industry types, and levels of maturity in offering obesity management programs and from both private and public sectors were recruited to participate in the study. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 29 employers enrolled to participate. METHOD: Participants were followed over a 12-month period. First impressions, bimonthly use of the Web site, and final assessments were collected using self-report surveys and individual interviews. Descriptive analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Almost all (96%) of participants reported a positive experience with the Web site, noting it provided a wealth of information. Most reported they planned to continue to use the Web site to develop (77%), implement (92%), and evaluate (85%) their obesity management programs. Aspects of the Web site that employers found valuable included a step-by-step implementation process, templates and toolkits, specific recommendations, and promising practices. CONCLUSION: CDC's LEAN Works! is a useful resource for employers wishing to develop and implement evidence-based workplace obesity prevention programs.

Health improvement from a worksite health promotion private-public partnership.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Wellness at Work program on health risks of employees from 10 New York City organizations at 26 worksites. METHODS: Employer sites were matched and assigned to receive either moderate or high intensity health promotion interventions. Changes from time 1 to time 3 in employees' risk status on 12 health risks were examined using chi and t tests for a cohort group (N = 930). Comparisons between moderate and high intensity groups used multivariate methods, controlling for confounders. RESULTS: From time 1 to time 3, both moderate and high intensity sites demonstrated significant risk reductions. Nevertheless, comparisons by intervention intensity did not reveal significant differences between treatment conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Private-public partnerships to promote employee health in the workplace have the potential to reduce health risks that are precursors to chronic disease.