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Lehmann H, Otte N, Kraus T, Esser A, Krabbe J. Evaluation and Comparison of Relaxation-Related Workplace Interventions Among Office Workers at an Insurance Institution: An Intervention Study. INQUIRY : A JOURNAL OF MEDICAL CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION AND FINANCING 2024; 61:469580241242793. [PMID: 38591360 PMCID: PMC11005502 DOI: 10.1177/00469580241242793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Relaxation-related workplace interventions can be counterstrategies for stress due to office work and should be evaluated for success after implementation. This study reports on the evaluation and comparison of 3 relaxation techniques introduced as an intervention for health promotion. A Germany-wide multicenter evaluation of a 3-month relaxation intervention (30 min, once a week) including autogenic training, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) or Tai Chi was conducted at 14 locations as an intervention study. Anonymous questionnaires (n = 244) were used to collect self-reports of perceived stress after the courses. Status before the courses (pre) and after completion (post) were reported at the end of the intervention. All 3 relaxation techniques were able to improve the subjective perception of stress (SPS) score. Autogenic training was reported to improve all singular items with large effects, whereas only 2 items showed change for Tai Chi and none for PMR. Singular items were also influenced by the location of the courses. All 3 methods were able to improve stress-related outcomes in terms of stress perception and individual aspects of stress management. For this specific intervention autogenic training yielded the largest and wide-ranging effects. Tai Chi was also effective, but additional effect due to an associated increase in physical activity were not found. For a workplace intervention PMR could not be recommended based on this study. The literature on workplace interventions is surprisingly scarce, and future studies should focus on the selection of appropriate participants while avoiding potential bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Lehmann
- RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Social Accident Insurance Institution for the Energy, Textile, Electrical and Media Products Sectors (BG ETEM), Köln, Germany
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Tavoian D, Craighead DH. Deep breathing exercise at work: Potential applications and impact. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1040091. [PMID: 36711016 PMCID: PMC9877284 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1040091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease and daily deep breathing exercise (DBE) is a promising intervention to reduce blood pressure and stress in adults. DBE is simple, time-efficient, and does not require specialized equipment, allowing participation in a wide variety of settings. The workplace is an ideal setting to implement DBE at the national level for several reasons, including a large proportion of waking hours spent in the workplace, high levels of sedentary time at work, prevalence of work-related stress, and regular breaks throughout the day potentially reducing worker error. While the degree of adherence to daily workplace DBE will be the responsibility of the individual, employers and managers can (and should) do much to remove barriers to participation. Specifically, this could include: implementing regular short breaks or classes to perform DBE throughout the day, covering subscription costs for smartphone applications that guide DBE, and creating incentive programs for continuing DBE participation. Implementing DBE in the workplace is a pragmatic approach to provide a low-cost blood pressure and stress reduction therapy to a substantial portion of the adult population in the US, at least 50% of whom have high blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dallin Tavoian
- Arizona Respiratory Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, United States,*Correspondence: Dallin Tavoian,
| | - Daniel H. Craighead
- Integrative Physiology of Aging Laboratory, Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
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The application of FGD to support concept of National Policy on health and safety work procedures on ATC employees in Indonesia. GACETA SANITARIA 2021; 35 Suppl 2:S425-S427. [PMID: 34929867 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaceta.2021.10.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to conduct a focused discussion regarding the concept of a national policy on health and safety work procedures for ATC employees in Indonesia. METHODS The research is a qualitative study with case study design. Data was collected through Focus Group Discussion (FGD) method. A total of 11 informants participated in this study. Data were analyzed with content analysis method. RESULTS It was found that all informants have positive perception to this model and agree to support the ATC employee's policy development. CONCLUSION It can be concluded that in general, all informants support the concept of a national policy on health and safety work procedures for ATC employees in Indonesia. Therefore, it is hoped that a policy will be formed that focuses on improving ATC performance so that it can work healthy and safely.
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Kuster AT, Dalsbø TK, Luong Thanh BY, Agarwal A, Durand‐Moreau QV, Kirkehei I. Computer-based versus in-person interventions for preventing and reducing stress in workers. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 8:CD011899. [PMID: 28853146 PMCID: PMC6483691 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011899.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic exposure to stress has been linked to several negative physiological and psychological health outcomes. Among employees, stress and its associated effects can also result in productivity losses and higher healthcare costs. In-person (face-to-face) and computer-based (web- and mobile-based) stress management interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing stress in employees compared to no intervention. However, it is unclear if one form of intervention delivery is more effective than the other. It is conceivable that computer-based interventions are more accessible, convenient, and cost-effective. OBJECTIVES To compare the effects of computer-based interventions versus in-person interventions for preventing and reducing stress in workers. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, NIOSHTIC, NIOSHTIC-2, HSELINE, CISDOC, and two trials registers up to February 2017. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled studies that compared the effectiveness of a computer-based stress management intervention (using any technique) with a face-to-face intervention that had the same content. We included studies that measured stress or burnout as an outcome, and used workers from any occupation as participants. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Three authors independently screened and selected 75 unique studies for full-text review from 3431 unique reports identified from the search. We excluded 73 studies based on full-text assessment. We included two studies. Two review authors independently extracted stress outcome data from the two included studies. We contacted study authors to gather additional data. We used standardised mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to report study results. We did not perform meta-analyses due to variability in the primary outcome and considerable statistical heterogeneity. We used the GRADE approach to rate the quality of the evidence. MAIN RESULTS Two studies met the inclusion criteria, including a total of 159 participants in the included arms of the studies (67 participants completed computer-based interventions; 92 participants completed in-person interventions). Workers were primarily white, Caucasian, middle-aged, and college-educated. Both studies delivered education about stress, its causes, and strategies to reduce stress (e.g. relaxation or mindfulness) via a computer in the computer-based arm, and via small group sessions in the in-person arm. Both studies measured stress using different scales at short-term follow-up only (less than one month). Due to considerable heterogeneity in the results, we could not pool the data, and we analysed the results of the studies separately. The SMD of stress levels in the computer-based intervention group was 0.81 standard deviations higher (95% CI 0.21 to 1.41) than the in-person group in one study, and 0.35 standard deviations lower (95% CI -0.76 to 0.05) than the in-person group in another study. We judged both studies as having a high risk of bias. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We found very low-quality evidence with conflicting results, when comparing the effectiveness of computer-based stress management interventions with in-person stress management interventions in employees. We could include only two studies with small sample sizes. We have very little confidence in the effect estimates. It is very likely that future studies will change these conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anootnara Talkul Kuster
- Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen UniversityDepartment of Environmental Health Science, Occupational Health and Safety123 Moo 16 Mittapap Rd.Khon KaenThailand40002
| | - Therese K Dalsbø
- Norwegian Institute of Public HealthDepartment for Health ServicesPO Box 4404, NydalenOsloOslo, NorwayNorwayN‐0403
| | - Bao Yen Luong Thanh
- Faculty of Public Health, Hue University of Medicine and PharmacyDepartment of Biostatistics ‐ Demography ‐ Reproductive Health06 Ngo QuyenHueThua Thien HueVietnam47000
| | - Arnav Agarwal
- University of TorontoFaculty of Medicine1 King's College CircleTorontoONCanadaM5S 1A8
| | - Quentin V Durand‐Moreau
- University Hospital of BrestOccupational and Environmental Diseases Center5 avenue FochBrestFrance29609
| | - Ingvild Kirkehei
- Norwegian Institute of Public HealthDivision for health servicesPO Box 4404 NydalenOsloNorwayN‐0403
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Stavrou S, Nicolaides NC, Critselis E, Darviri C, Charmandari E, Chrousos GP. Paediatric stress: from neuroendocrinology to contemporary disorders. Eur J Clin Invest 2017; 47:262-269. [PMID: 28074555 DOI: 10.1111/eci.12724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress is defined as a state of threatened or perceived as threatened homeostasis. A broad spectrum of extrinsic or intrinsic, real or perceived stressful stimuli, called 'stressors', activates a highly conserved system, the 'stress system', which adjusts homeostasis through central and peripheral neuroendocrine responses. Inadequate, excessive or prolonged adaptive responses to stress may underlie the pathogenesis of several disease states prevalent in modern societies. The development and severity of these conditions primarily depend on the genetic vulnerability of the individual, the exposure to adverse environmental factors and the timing of the stressful event(s), given that prenatal life, infancy, childhood and adolescence are critical periods characterized by increased vulnerability to stressors. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a systematic review of original articles and reviews published in MEDLINE from 1975 through June 2016. The search terms were 'childhood stress', 'pediatric stress', 'stress and disorders' and 'stress management'. RESULTS In this review, we discuss the historical and neuroendocrine aspects of stress, and we present representative examples of paediatric stress system disorders, such as early-life adversity, obesity and bullying. We also discuss the adverse impact of a socio-economic crisis on childhood health. The tremendous progress of epigenetics has enabled us to have a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying paediatric stress-related disorders. CONCLUSIONS The need for early successful stress management techniques to decrease the incidence of paediatric stress-related diseases, as well as to prevent the development of several pathologic conditions in adolescence and adulthood, is imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavroula Stavrou
- Postgraduate Course on the Science of Stress and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nicolas C Nicolaides
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, 'Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.,Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Research Center, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Elena Critselis
- Postgraduate Course on the Science of Stress and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, 'Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Darviri
- Postgraduate Course on the Science of Stress and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Charmandari
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, 'Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.,Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Research Center, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George P Chrousos
- Postgraduate Course on the Science of Stress and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, 'Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.,Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Research Center, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Kourmousi N, Alexopoulos EC. Stress Sources and Manifestations in a Nationwide Sample of Pre-Primary, Primary, and Secondary Educators in Greece. Front Public Health 2016; 4:73. [PMID: 27148519 PMCID: PMC4838612 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2016.00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Teachers experience high levels of stress as a result of their professional duties, and research has shown a growing interest in this phenomenon during the recent years. Aim of this study was to explore the associations of stress sources and manifestations with individual and job-related characteristics in educators of all levels. Methods In a cross-sectional design, following an informative e-campaign on the study aims through the official and the main teachers’ portals in Greece, respondents completed online the teachers stress inventory (TSI) and the 14-item Perceived Stress Scale. Nine hundred seventy-four male and 2473 female pre-primary, primary, and secondary educators with a mean age of 41.2 years responded. Results Women and younger teachers reported significantly higher levels of stress, mainly due to lack of time and other work-related stressors, and also more emotional and gastronomic manifestations. Increased age and working experience were associated with lower levels of several stress sources. Teachers of administrative positions had increased time management stressors, but less professional distress, professional investment, and discipline and motivation stressors. Additionally, working and residing far from family increased teachers’ stress levels associated with control, motivation, and investment. Teachers of pre-primary education had reduced professional investment and motivation stress factors, while vocational lyceum teachers of secondary education reported less work-related stressors and manifestations and more discipline and motivation-related ones. Having students supported or in need of support from special educators and students with difficulties in speaking or comprehension was associated with most of the teachers’ stress sources and manifestations (i.e., TSI subscales). Finally, colleagues’ and mainly supervisors’ support seemed to provide a strong and consistent protection against both stress sources and manifestations. Conclusion Stress factors and manifestations vary among educators by gender, seniority, and teaching level. Training in coping and communication skills starting in teachers’ undergraduate studies might have a major impact on their stress alleviation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ntina Kourmousi
- Directorate of Primary Education of Eastern Attica , Attica , Greece
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Ravalier JM, Wegrzynek P, Lawton S. Systematic review: complementary therapies and employee well-being. Occup Med (Lond) 2016; 66:428-36. [PMID: 27048297 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqw047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A variety of workplace-based interventions exist to reduce stress and increase productivity. However, the efficacy of these interventions is sometimes unclear. AIMS To determine whether complementary therapies offered in the workplace improve employee well-being. METHODS We performed a systematic literature review which involved an electronic search of articles published between January 2000 and July 2015 from the databases Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, AMED, CINAHL Plus, EMBASE and PubMed. We also undertook a manual search of all applicable article reference lists to ensure that no relevant studies were missed. We only selected published, full-length, English-language, peer-reviewed journal articles. Articles had to address the research objective using valid and reliable measures. We excluded articles concerning return to work or whose populations had been adversely affected by work resulting in the development of health issues. RESULTS We included 10 articles in the review from 131 identified. Mindfulness and meditation-based interventions were most effective in improving workplace health and work performance; the latter demonstrating some evidence of maintaining gains up to 3 months later. The evidence for relaxation interventions was inconclusive. CONCLUSIONS Mindfulness and meditation interventions may be helpful in improving both psychosocial workplace health and work performance, but long-term efficacy has yet to be fully determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Ravalier
- School of Society, Enterprise and Environment, Bath Spa University, Bath BA2 9BN, UK.
| | - P Wegrzynek
- School of Society, Enterprise and Environment, Bath Spa University, Bath BA2 9BN, UK
| | - S Lawton
- School of Society, Enterprise and Environment, Bath Spa University, Bath BA2 9BN, UK
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A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial Investigating the Impact of a Workplace Resilience Program During a Time of Significant Organizational Change. J Occup Environ Med 2016; 58:329-34. [DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000000677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Xenouli G, Xenoulis K, Sarafis P, Niakas D, Alexopoulos EC. Validation of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHO-DAS II) in Greek and its added value to the Short Form 36 (SF-36) in a sample of people with or without disabilities. Disabil Health J 2016; 9:518-23. [PMID: 26996759 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2016.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Revised: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is controversy and ongoing interest on the measurement of functionality in the personal and social level. OBJECTIVES (1) to validate the Greek version of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHO DAS II) and (2) to determine its added value to the physical and psychological health subscales of the Short Form 36 (SF-36). METHODS In a cross-sectional design, data were collected between December 2014 and March 2015 by using three questionnaires (WHO DAS II, SF-36, PSS-14) in a sample of people with disabilities (n = 101) and without disabilities (n = 109) in Athens, Greece. WHO DAS II internal consistency, construct and criterion-related validity were assessed by Cronbach alpha, exploratory factor analysis and correlations; its added value by multivariable linear regression. RESULTS Cronbach Alpha's were satisfactory for the WHO DAS II, PSS-14 and SF-36 (0.85, 0.88 and 0.96 respectively). Exploratory factor analysis confirmed the existence of one or two factors in people with or without disabilities, respectively. WHO DAS II score showed significant negative correlation with the physical and mental health scale of SF-36 score, especially strong for physical health while was positively related to PSS-14 score. In multivariate analysis mental health appraisal was related to perceived stress in both groups. CONCLUSIONS This study support the validity of the Greek version of WHO DAS II and warranted its use in assessment and follow up of people with disabilities, contributing to the development of suitable policies to cover their needs and providing comparable data with other surveys using the same instrument.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Xenouli
- Hellenic Open University, Parodos Aristotelous 18, GR-26 335 Patra, Greece.
| | - Kostis Xenoulis
- Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Ilissia, GR- 15784 Athens, Greece
| | - Pavlos Sarafis
- Hellenic Open University, Parodos Aristotelous 18, GR-26 335 Patra, Greece
| | - Dimitris Niakas
- Hellenic Open University, Parodos Aristotelous 18, GR-26 335 Patra, Greece
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Lau WKW, Leung MK, Chan CCH, Wong SSY, Lee TMC. Can the neural-cortisol association be moderated by experience-induced changes in awareness? Sci Rep 2015; 5:16620. [PMID: 26577539 PMCID: PMC4649618 DOI: 10.1038/srep16620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortisol homeostasis is important for cognitive and affective functions that depend on cortisol-sensitive brain regions including the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Recent studies have shown that training induces changes in the brain. We report the findings of a longitudinal study that verified the moderation effect of experience-induced changes in awareness on the neural-cortisol association in cortisol-sensitive brain regions. These findings provide the first piece of evidence that planned behavioral experience can moderate the neural-cortisol association. A range of changes in awareness was achieved in a sample of 21 Chinese participants, divided into two groups: Awareness-based compassion meditation (ABCM) (n = 10) and relaxation (n = 11). We observed that changes in awareness were significant moderators of hippocampal-cortisol changes. Furthermore, a significant negative association between changes in plasma cortisol level and the resting-state synchrony of the right hippocampal and insular-frontal-operculum regions was observed. These novel findings shed light on the inter-relationships between changes in hippocampal-cortisol levels and changes in awareness and preliminarily identify the neural underpinnings of interventions for cortisol-related abnormal functioning for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Way K. W. Lau
- Laboratory of Cognitive Affective Neuroscience, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Mei-Kei Leung
- Laboratory of Cognitive Affective Neuroscience, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Chetwyn C. H. Chan
- Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Samuel S. Y. Wong
- School of Public Health, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Tatia M. C. Lee
- Laboratory of Cognitive Affective Neuroscience, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Institute of Clinical Neuropsychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Tanagra D, Panidis D, Tountas Y, Remoudaki E, Alexopoulos EC. Implementation of a worksite educational program focused on promoting healthy eating habits. F1000Res 2013; 2:201. [PMID: 25324961 PMCID: PMC4197742 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.2-201.v2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To estimate the effectiveness of a short-term educational-counseling worksite program focused on lipid intake, by monitoring the possible change on nutrition knowledge and eating habits. Methods: an 8-week educational program based on the Health Belief Model was implemented in a honey packaging and sales company in Greece. 20 out of the 29 employees initially enrolled completed the program. Knowledge level and eating habits were evaluated prior and after the intervention by the “Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire” and the “Food Habits Questionnaire”. ANOVA, Spearman rho test and paired Wilcoxon test were employed in statistical analysis. Results: Non smokers and those with higher educational level had healthier eating habits. Knowledge following the intervention was significantly improved concerning recommendations and basic food ingredients but as far as eating habits were concerned, scores were not improved significantly, while intake of fried food was increased. Conclusions and Implications: Short-term interventions may produce substantial improvement in knowledge but not necessarily modifications in unhealthy eating habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra Tanagra
- Postgraduate Course of Health Promotion & Education, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Panidis
- Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, School of Pharmacy, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Yannis Tountas
- Postgraduate Course of Health Promotion & Education, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Elina Remoudaki
- Postgraduate Course of Health Promotion & Education, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos C Alexopoulos
- Postgraduate Course of Health Promotion & Education, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece ; Department of Occupational Health, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Greece
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