title: Point-of-Decision Signs and Stair Use in a University Worksite Setting: General Versus Specific Messages.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study tested the effectiveness of two point-of-decision signs to increase stair use and investigated message content by comparing signs with general and specific messages.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study used a quasi-experimental time series design, including a 2-week baseline period: 2 weeks with a general message and 2 weeks with a specific message.
  
  
  METHODS
  The signs were placed in an eight-story university building.
  
  
  METHODS
  The subjects comprised all adults entering the building. During the study, 2997 observations of stair/elevator choice were made.
  
  
  METHODS
  A stair-prompt sign with a general message and a sign with a specific message served as the interventions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Observers measured stair/elevator choice, demographics, and traffic volume.
  
  
  METHODS
  Logistic regression analyses were employed, adjusting for covariates.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The specific sign intervention showed significantly increased odds of stair use compared to baseline (odds ratio [OR] = 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.46-2.84). The odds of stair use were also significantly greater with the specific sign than the general sign (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.13-2.20).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Only the specific sign significantly increased stair use. The results indicate that a specific message may be more effective at promoting stair use.
authors.forename: Mary R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Eckhardt
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kerr
authors.forename: Wendell C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001835:Body Weight; D002755:Choice Behavior; D004607:Elevators and Escalators; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008123:Location Directories and Signs; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014495:Universities; D016138:Walking; D017132:Workplace
keywords: Health Promotion; Health focus: fitness/physical activity; Manuscript format: research; Outcome measure: behavioral; Physical Fitness; Prevention Research; Research purpose: intervention testing/program evaluation; Setting: workplace, school (university); Strategy: education, built environment; Study design: Quasi-experimental; Target population age: adults; Target population circumstances: race/ethnicity; Wellness Programs; Workplace