title: Health behavior change among office workers: an exploratory study to prevent repetitive strain injuries.
abstract: The purpose of this evidence-based study is to investigate the impact of a multi-component intervention on health behavior change among office/computer workers in preventing repetitive strain injuries. Forty office workers employed in an administrative office in Michigan participated in this project. The subjects completed a comprehensive questionnaire at three different times in 1994 and 1995. The intervention took place between time 2 and time 3 and included posters, e-mail tips, mini-workshops, and activities of a Wellness Ergonomic Team. A theoretical model was tested to identify factors influencing healthy behaviors. Study findings revealed positive behavior change for 62% of the participants. The factors most strongly related to health behavior change appear to be self-efficacy, the intention to change one's behavior, and perceived health status. Better understanding of health behavior change coupled with ergonomic modifications is a significant step toward the prevention of repetitive strain injuries resulting from computer use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers, 325 E. Eisenhower, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48108-0718, USA. elsrn@umich.edu
authors.forename: Els R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Nieuwenhuijsen
mesh_terms: D000288:Administrative Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health