The effects of well ness program attendance on physiologic measures, health practices and diet habits
Journal
Health Education Research
Journal Volume
3
Journal Issue
3
Pages
293-303
Date Issued
1988
Author(s)
Abstract
An impact evaluation was conducted on a 22-week wellness program implemented in a public school district where 257 employees voluntarily completed the program. Impact of the program was estimated with a one-group pre-test/post-test design. While most measurements showed significant improvements for the total participants, analyses based on people with measurements beyond normal limits during pre-test evaluation (people at higher risk) showed even greater improvements. Across the risk factors examined, 21–91% of the people at higher risk changed thenelevated measurements to within a normal range. Multiple regression analyses showed that higher program attendance was only significantly associated with increased exercise time, better improved diet habits and higher employee satisfaction. Possible confounding factors commonly associated with wellness program evaluation are discussed. These include possible selection bias, contaminating activities, small sample size and short response time.
Type
journal article