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The effect of a health promotion intervention for construction workers on work-related outcomes: results from a randomized controlled trial

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Abstract

Purpose

The objective of the present study is to investigate the effects of a worksite health promotion intervention on musculoskeletal symptoms, physical functioning, work ability, work-related vitality, work performance, and sickness absence.

Methods

In a randomized controlled design, 314 construction workers were randomized into an intervention group (n = 162) receiving personal coaching, tailored information, and materials, and a control group (n = 152) receiving usual care. Sickness absence was recorded continuously in company records, and questionnaires were completed before, directly after the 6-month intervention period, and 12 months after baseline measurements. Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine intervention effects.

Results

No significant changes at 6 or 12 months of follow-up were observed in musculoskeletal symptoms, physical functioning, work ability, work-related vitality, work performance, and sickness absence as a result of the intervention.

Conclusions

This study shows that the intervention was not statistically significantly effective on secondary outcomes. Although the intervention improved physical activity, dietary, and weight-related outcomes, it was not successful in decreasing musculoskeletal symptoms and improving other work-related measures. Presumably, more multifaceted interventions are required to establish significant change in these outcomes.

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Acknowledgments

This project is part of the research programme ‘Vitality in Practice’, which is financed by Fonds Nuts Ohra (Nuts Ohra Foundation).

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Public and Occupational Health, The EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Laura Viester, Evert A. L. M. Verhagen & Allard J. van der Beek

  2. Body@Work, Research Center Physical Activity, Work and Health, TNO-VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Laura Viester, Evert A. L. M. Verhagen, Paulien M. Bongers & Allard J. van der Beek

  3. Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Hoofddorp, The Netherlands

    Paulien M. Bongers

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  1. Laura Viester
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  2. Evert A. L. M. Verhagen
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  3. Paulien M. Bongers
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  4. Allard J. van der Beek
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Correspondence to Evert A. L. M. Verhagen.

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Viester, L., Verhagen, E.A.L.M., Bongers, P.M. et al. The effect of a health promotion intervention for construction workers on work-related outcomes: results from a randomized controlled trial. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 88, 789–798 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-014-1007-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-014-1007-9

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