Blood Pressure Success Zone: You Auto Know A Worksite-Based Program to Improve Blood Pressure Control Among Auto Workers

Abstract

Worksite-based wellness programs can be a means to improve employee health awareness and potentially reduce health care costs. The "BP Success Zone: You Auto Know" program was a worksite-based intervention to reduce the incidence of hypertension among auto workers at Chrysler LLC. This 6-month program comprised an intervention consisting of education, awareness, and support intended to intensify the engagement of Chrysler employees at moderate-to-high cardiovascular risk who were not adequately controlling their blood pressure. The 539 participants had systolic blood pressure of ≥ 120 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure of ≥ 80 mmHg, or were told by a health care provider that they had hypertension. Questionnaires compared awareness and knowledge of hypertension and lifestyle choices before and at the end of the intervention. After the 6-month intervention, mean systolic blood pressure had decreased from a baseline value of 133 mmHg to 129 mmHg (P < 0.0001) and mean blood diastolic pressure had decreased from 85 mmHg to 82 mmHg (P < 0.0001). The proportion of participants with controlled blood pressure increased from 52% to 62% (P < 0.0001) over the course of the intervention. Eighty-six percent of the participants reported that the program helped them to better understand and control their blood pressure and 84% reported that they had a better understanding of their treatment options. In conclusion, a program of hypertension awareness, education, and lifestyle modification helped to improve blood pressure control among a group of Chrysler LLC employees.

The Occupational Health Nurse as the Trusted Clinician in the 21st Century

“…Occupational health nurses have long been involved in case management, lifestyle behavior change programs (e.g., smoking cessation and weight management), and risk factor identification, whether the risk factors are due to work, personal lifestyle choices, family history, or genetics. Studies show the effectiveness of a variety of worksite health promotion interventions, many of which involve occupational health nurses (Jackson et al, 2011;Mauceri et al, 2011;Pelletier, 2009;White & Jacques, 2007). Yap, Davis, Gates, Hemmings, and Pan (2009a) studied tailored e-mail messages sent weekly by occupational health nurses for 6 weeks to encourage physical activity among manufacturing employees who were contemplating or preparing for behavior change.…”

Workplace wellness programs for working mothers: A systematic review

“… 11 Jackson et al reported that there was a decline in blood pressure and an increased level of awareness among the workers after the interventions through health education for 6 months (86%). 12 Merrill et al compared the employees of Lincoln Industries with those outside Lincoln Industries in terms of four wellness indicators, namely emotional health, physical health, access to health‐related services, and engagement in healthy behaviors. 13 It was found that the employees of the Lincoln Industries were better than those outside in three of the four indicators, namely emotional health, physical health, and engagement in healthy behaviors.…”

“…Byrne et al presented the findings of their seven‐year research (2003–2009) at Vanderbilt University, in which the application of health promotion programs had improved the physical activities of employees from 73% to 83% 11 . Jackson et al reported that there was a decline in blood pressure and an increased level of awareness among the workers after the interventions through health education for 6 months (86%) 12 . Merrill et al compared the employees of Lincoln Industries with those outside Lincoln Industries in terms of four wellness indicators, namely emotional health, physical health, access to health‐related services, and engagement in healthy behaviors 13 .…”