Van Woerden, H.C., Ashton, K., Garlick, C., Hurley, A., Cooper, A., Willson, A., Henry, R., Kiparoglou, V., & Potter, C. (2014). Evaluation of a web based tool to improve health behaviours in healthcare staff. International Archives of Medicine,7(1), 44. doi: 10.4088/JCP.13r08894. PMID: PMC4197304.
In this study, the authors evaluated a web-based program designed to improve health behaviors among employees in health care organizations. The intervention offered modules targeting general health and mental well-being. Topics included alcohol use, healthy eating, smoking, physical activity, and maintaining a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI). Users could select two modules focusing on relevant health behaviors. Although 1,320 health care workers signed up to use the program, only 346 completed the pre-treatment assessment and the 6-month follow-up. The users who completed the assessments reported that their overall health improved while using the program. 35% of participants had a positive change in their physical health status, while 33% reported a positive change in their mental health. Users also reported changes in alcohol use. Although 35% of participants met criteria for harmful drinking pre-treatment, only 9% met criteria at 6 months. Similar improvements in diet and BMI were also reported. Despite the positive changes in health, the majority of participants felt that the program was only “somewhat” helpful in supporting healthy changes, due in part to the complexity of the website and lack of social support.