A comparison of Omaha worksite health promotion activities to the 1992 national survey with a special perspective on program intervention.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to compare the results from a survey of Omaha worksite health promotion activities with the results of a 1992 national survey. Comparisons were made on: (1) the kinds of health promotion activities offered, (2) progress toward the Healthy People 2000 worksite objectives, (3) types of program intervention offered, and (4) administrative factors.


METHODS
A one-time, written, mail-out/mail-back survey design was used.


METHODS
The study took place in Omaha, Nebraska.


METHODS
All area public and private worksites with 250 or more employees were sent surveys. Individuals who were preselected and identified as the best qualified within the company completed the survey instrument. Of the 176 worksites surveyed, 86 completed the survey (49%).


METHODS
Descriptive statistics (percentages) were used to compare the two surveys on kinds of programs offered, progress toward Healthy People 2000 related to worksite health promotion, the types of program intervention offered, and administrative factors.


RESULTS
Generally, a greater percentage of respondent worksites from the national survey are offering more health promotion activities and have made more progress toward the Healthy People 2000 worksite objectives than the Omaha worksites. Results from both surveys showed that low levels of intervention are more prevalent than high levels of intervention, and that health promotion activities in most worksites are coordinated by human resources departments and not by someone professionally prepared in health education.


CONCLUSIONS
Traditionally, major goals of worksite health promotion programs have focused on important organizational outcomes such as improved productivity/morale, reduction in absenteeism, and health care cost-containment. It is important to recognize, however, that low levels of intervention have less impact than more intensive programs on these desired outcomes. Future goals for local and national worksite health promotion programs may need to encourage implementation of more intensive intervention programs.
Eickhoff-Shemek
J M
JM
School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, University of Nebraska at Omaha, NE 68182-0216, USA.
Ryan
K F
KF
D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic / Q000379:methods; D009329:Nebraska; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013689:Telephone; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017132:Workplace / Q000706:statistics & numerical data