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A Combined Multidisciplinary Intervention for Health Promotion in the Workplace: A Pilot Study.

Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy. Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care "Giuseppe D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy. Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "GF Ingrassia", University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 100, 95123 Catania, Italy. Health Management of the "Cannizzaro" Emergency Hospital of Catania, 95126 Catania, Italy. Department of Prevention, Food Hygiene Service, Nutritional Surveillance and Prevention, Provincial Health Authority of Catania, 95027 San Gregorio di Catania, Italy. Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy.

Journal of clinical medicine. 2021;(7)
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Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a joint health promotion intervention on a cohort of healthcare workers (HCWs) who had at least one cardiovascular risk factor. The HCWs were assessed at three different times, i.e., time zero (T0), after 6 months (T6), and after 12 months (T12). The following parameters were measured at a medical examination: physical activity, blood pressure, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), routine laboratory tests, plicometric analysis, work ability index (WAI), and body image dissatisfaction (BID). Among the 447 HCWs, 38 HCWs were included in the study; 45% (n = 17) were male. At T12, the average blood pressure, waist/hip ratio (WHR) index, BMI, total cholesterol, triglyceride level, and blood glucose values were reduced. The levels of physical activity and adherence to the Mediterranean diet had progressively increased. The WAI showed a significant shift from low to good work performance at T12, as well as BID score. This is the first study that has analyzed work performance in relation to a workplace health promotion through a multidisciplinary approach. This health promotion intervention that combined diet and sport activity has led to a significant change in HCWs' lifestyles and body perceptions, as well as their ability to work. This project highlights the importance of using a multidisciplinary approach and the workplace setting in health promotion programs.