The application of an occupational health guideline reduces sedentary behaviour and increases fruit intake at work: results from an RCT. Issue 7 (1st March 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Verweij, Lisanne M; Proper, Karin I; Weel, Andre N H; Hulshof, Carel T J; van Mechelen, Willem
• Is Part Of: Occupational and environmental medicine. Volume 69:Issue 7(2012)
• Page Start: 500
• Page End: 507
• Publication Date: 2012-03-01
• Subjects: Weight gain prevention -- occupational health guideline -- physical activity -- dietary behaviour -- occupational health practice -- health promotion -- health services research -- back disorders -- epidemiology -- OH services -- health surveillance -- vibration -- driving -- musculoskeletal -- disability; Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; 616.980305
• DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2011-100377
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1351-0711

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a draft occupational health practice guideline aimed at preventing weight gain on employees' physical activity, sedentary behaviour and dietary behaviour and on body weight-related outcomes. Methods: A randomised controlled trial was performed comparing guideline-based care to usual care among 16 occupational physicians and 523 employees in the Netherlands between 2009 and 2011. Occupational physicians in the intervention group followed the draft guideline by providing advice to employers on how to assess and intervene on the obesogenic work environment and conducted five face-to-face behavioural change counselling sessions with employees to improve their lifestyle. Data of employees were collected by questionnaire and physical measurements at baseline and 6-months follow-up. Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine effects. Results: The intervention showed significant effects on sedentary behaviour at work (β −28 min/day, 95% CI −2 to −54) and on fruit intake (β 2.1 pieces/week; 95% CI 0.6 to 3.6). No significant intervention effects were found for physical activity, sedentary behaviour in leisure time or during weekend days, snack intake and body weight-related outcomes. Conclusion: Guideline-based care resulted in a more favourable sedentary behaviour at work and increased fruit intake but did not improve employees' physical activity, snack intake or body weight-related outcomes. Trial registration number: ISRCTN/73545254 and NTR/1190.