Efficacy of the Berkshire Health System Cardiovascular Health Risk Reduction Program.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of the Berkshire Health System Cardiovascular Health Risk Reduction Program.


METHODS
A within-group study design was conducted. Analyses were based on 502 employees who completed an initial and follow-up personal health risk assessment. One-on-one nurse coaching occurred, with referrals and recommendations based on screening results.


RESULTS
Clinically and statistically significant improvements occurred between initial and second screenings for individuals with high systolic blood pressure, high diastolic blood pressure, high total cholesterol, low high-density lipoprotein, high low-density lipoprotein, and high glucose. Decrease in body mass index for obese individuals was marginally insignificant. Improvements were also observed in exercise, pleasure doing things, and mental health. Improvement in mental health occurred primarily in women and among those aged <50 years.


CONCLUSIONS
The Berkshire Health System Program significantly improves cardiovascular health.
Merrill
Ray M
RM
Department of Health Science, College of Health and Human Performance, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602, USA. ray_merrill@byu.edu
Aldana
Steven G
SG
Ellrodt
Gray
G
Orsi
Roberta
R
Grelle-Laramee
Jenna
J
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D016272:Occupational Health; D009786:Occupational Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D015397:Program Evaluation; D018570:Risk Assessment; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012737:Sex Factors; D014589:Utah; D055815:Young Adult