title: A focus group assessment to determine motivations, barriers and effectiveness of a university-based worksite wellness program.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study explores university employee perceptions and under-standing about its Worksite Health Promotion Program (WHPP). The WHPP included a Health Risk Appraisal (HRA), biometric screening, publicity for on-campus health programs and facilities, and health coaching.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative design was used based on a grounded theory ap-proach. Four 90 minutes focus groups with 6-8 participants in each were conducted within a two 2 week period among employees, representing fac-ulty/participants, fac-ulty/nonparticipants, staff/participants, and staff/nonparticipants. Responses to questions about motivations, barriers, and perceived health benefits that impacted participation in the WHPP were digi-tally recorded, transcribed and coded for themes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Incentives effectively motivated participation. Biometric screening had the largest impact on behavior change, followed by the information learned from the HRA. However, despite two-thirds of the employees partici-pating in the pro-gram, lack of a full understanding of WHPP benefits and services lowered partici-pation in follow-up services and supplemental pro-grams.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Biometric screening and HRAs effectively motivate program par-ticipation. Communication of benefits and services are important when providing WHPPs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Promotion & Education, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
authors.forename: Patricia E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Hill-Mey
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Science, College of Life Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA.
authors.forename: Ray M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Merrill
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Promotion & Education, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
authors.forename: Karol L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Kumpfer
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Promotion & Education, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
authors.forename: Justine
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Reel
authors.affiliation: Salt Lake County Department of Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
authors.forename: Beverly
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hyatt-Neville
keywords: Adults; Employees; Health; Promotion; University; Worksite