The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a rural employer-based wellness program
Shadi S Saleh1, Mohamad S Alameddine, Dan Hill
1Department of Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon. ss117@aub.edu.lb
Summary
Rural employer wellness programs show potential for effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. Lower-intensity interventions, like the Trail Marker program, offer favorable financial returns, while higher-intensity programs yield better health improvements.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Health Services Research
- Rural Health
Background:
- Employer-based wellness programs are often studied for cost-effectiveness, but research in rural settings is limited.
- Previous studies indicate favorable financial and non-financial outcomes in large, urban employers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a wellness program implemented in a rural employer setting.
- To compare different levels of wellness program intensity in a rural context.
Main Methods:
- Six rural employers were divided into control and two intervention groups with varying wellness activity levels.
- Participants completed annual health risk assessments (HRAs) covering 16 wellness areas over four years.
- Program effectiveness and cost-effectiveness were analyzed using HRA data and program costs.
Main Results:
- The high-intensity "Coaching and Referral" group showed superior improvements in wellness areas and employee health indicators.
- The lower-intensity "Trail Marker" group demonstrated more favorable cost-effectiveness ratios.
- Both intervention intensities demonstrated potential for positive outcomes in rural worksites.
Conclusions:
- Rural worksite wellness programs offer significant potential for both effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.
- Programs do not need to be overly aggressive or costly to achieve favorable returns.
- Employers are encouraged to explore various program intensities to optimize outcomes.
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