title: Cost-effectiveness of a long-term Internet-delivered worksite health promotion programme on physical activity and nutrition: a cluster randomized controlled trial.
abstract: This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a long-term workplace health promotion programme on physical activity (PA) and nutrition. In total, 924 participants enrolled in a 2-year cluster randomized controlled trial, with departments (n = 74) within companies (n = 6) as the unit of randomization. The intervention was compared with a standard programme consisting of a physical health check with face-to-face advice and personal feedback on a website. The intervention consisted of several additional website functionalities: action-oriented feedback, self-monitoring, possibility to ask questions and monthly e-mail messages. Primary outcomes were meeting the guidelines for PA and fruit and vegetable intake. Secondary outcomes were self-perceived health, obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated cholesterol level and maximum oxygen uptake. Direct and indirect costs were calculated from a societal perspective, and a process evaluation was performed. Of the 924 participants, 72% participated in the first and 60% in the second follow-up. No statistically significant differences were found on primary and secondary outcomes, nor on costs. Average direct costs per participant over the 2-year period were €376, and average indirect costs were €9476. In conclusion, no additional benefits were found in effects or cost savings. Therefore, the programme in its current form cannot be recommended for implementation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Suzan J W
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Robroek
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Polinder
authors.forename: Folef J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Bredt
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Burdorf
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017046:Cost Savings; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000191:economics*; D006304:Health Status; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D017132:Workplace; D055815:Young Adult