RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of tailored intervention on body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) among hypertensive employees participating in an employer-based BP screening program. METHODS: The quasi-experimental design involved screening subjects (n = 15,583) within the Merrill Lynch organization. A control group had BP and weight measurements plus education whereas experimental sites additionally received a pedometer, to measure physical activity, body fat measurement, and education encouraging physical activity. Change in BMI and BP were compared after 1 year. RESULTS: The experimental group (n = 47) demonstrated statistically significant improvements in BMI (P < 0.01) and systolic BP (P = 0.04) versus control group (n = 94). Furthermore, 38.3% of the experimental group reported undertaking vigorous physical activity (>or=3x/wk) at 1-year; a 100% increase compared with baseline. CONCLUSIONS: A targeted worksite intervention program may be an effective way to lower BP and promote exercise and weight loss.
Assuntos
Comportamentos Relacionados com a Saúde , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Promoção da Saúde/métodos , Hipertensão/prevenção & controle , Saúde Ocupacional , Redução de Peso , Adulto , Pressão Sanguínea , Índice de Massa Corporal , Exercício Físico , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Programas de Rastreamento , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Serviços de Saúde do Trabalhador/métodos , Projetos Piloto , Inquéritos e Questionários , Estados Unidos , Local de TrabalhoRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess occupational health professionals' terrorism preparedness and perceptions of worksite readiness. METHODS: Questionnaire data were collected at the conclusion of an educational workshop on disaster response. RESULTS: Participants reported increased confidence in clinical skills and the ability to avoid exposure while providing care to victims of terrorist attacks as a result of the workshop. Fewer than one third (32%) of participants reported that their employer was prepared for a bioterrorism attack, and a large percentage (75%) reported feeling unprepared to provide mental health counseling after a terrorist attack. CONCLUSIONS: Relatively brief training in terrorism preparedness can increase the confidence of occupational health professionals in their ability to respond to terrorism. Adequate preparedness for the broad range of potential terrorist events may require much more intensive training than is currently being provided to occupational health professionals.
