Effectiveness of Interventions Targeting Health Behaviors in University and College Staff: A Systematic Review. Issue 5 (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Plotnikoff, Ronald; Collins, Clare E.; Williams, Rebecca; Germov, John; Callister, Robin
• Is Part Of: American journal of health promotion. Volume 29, Issue 5(2015)
• Page Start: e169
• Page End: e187
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: Universities -- Colleges -- Tertiary Education Institutions -- University Staff -- Health Promotion -- Health Behavior -- Healthy University -- Systematic Review -- Manuscript format: literature review -- Research purpose: intervention testing/program evaluation -- Study design: quantitative -- Outcome measure: behavioral -- Setting: workplace -- Health focus: fitness/physical activity, nutrition, smoking control, stress management, weight control -- Strategy: behavior change -- Target population: adults -- Target population circumstances: not applicable; Health promotion -- Periodicals; Health Promotion; Health promotion; Periodicals; Periodicals; 613.05
• DOI: 10.4278/ajhp.130619-LIT-313
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0890-1171

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the literature on interventions targeting tertiary education staff within colleges and universities for improvements in health behaviors such as physical activity, dietary intake, and weight loss. Data Source: One online database, Medline, was searched for literature published between January 1970 and February 2013. Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria: All quantitative study designs, including but not limited to randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, nonrandomized experimental trials, cohort studies, and case-control studies, were eligible. Data Extraction: Data extraction was performed by one reviewer using a standardized form developed by the researchers. Extraction was checked for accuracy and consistency by a second reviewer. Data Synthesis: Data in relation to the above objective were extracted and described in a narrative synthesis. Results: Seventeen studies were identified that focused on staff within the tertiary education setting. The review yielded overall positive results with 13 reporting significant health-related improvements. Weight loss, physical activity and fitness, and/or nutrition were the focus in more than half (n = 9) of the studies. Conclusion: This appears to be the first review to examine health interventions for tertiary education staff. There is scope to enhance cross-disciplinary collaboration in the development and implementation of a "Healthy University" settings–based approach to health promotion in tertiary education workplaces. Universities or colleges could serve as a research platform to evaluate such intervention strategies.