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The PHLAME firefighters' study: feasibility and findings
Diane L Elliot1, Linn Goldberg, Terry E Duncan
1Division of Health Promotion & Sports Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA. elliotd@ohsu.edu
American Journal of Health Behavior
|February 24, 2004
Summary
Two worksite health promotion programs, team-based and individual, effectively reduced LDL cholesterol. The team approach boosted social support and exercise, while individual sessions improved diet and mood.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Behavioral Science
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Worksite health promotion is crucial for employee well-being.
- Evaluating different intervention strategies is essential for optimizing health outcomes.
- Firefighters face unique occupational health challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of a team-based curriculum versus individual counselor meetings for health promotion.
- To assess the feasibility and acceptability of these interventions in a worksite setting.
Main Methods:
- Three fire stations were randomly assigned to either a team-based curriculum, individual counseling, or a control group.
- Interventions focused on promoting healthy behaviors and reducing cardiovascular risk factors.
Main Results:
- Both interventions were feasible and acceptable, leading to significant reductions in LDL cholesterol.
- The team-based approach enhanced coworker cohesion, personal exercise, and observed healthy behaviors.
- Individual counseling improved dietary self-monitoring, reduced fat intake, and decreased depressive symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Both team-based and individual interventions effectively promoted healthy behaviors, with distinct outcome profiles.
- The team-based curriculum offers an innovative approach, potentially leveraging social influences not accessible through individual formats.