Body@Work

The effect of a health promotion intervention among construction workers

PERIOD
November 2008 - November 2012

FINANCING
Delta Lloyd Groep Zorgverzekeringen B.V.

PROJECT TEAM
Ms. L.Viester, MSc 1,2
Ms. K.I. Proper, PhD 1,2
E.A.L.M. Verhagen, PhD 1,2
Prof. A.J. van der Beek, PhD 1,2
Prof. P.M. Bongers, PhD 1,3

1 Body@work, Onderzoekscentrum bewegen, arbeid & gezondheid, TNO-VUmc, Amsterdam
2 VU medisch centrum, Afdeling Sociale Geneeskunde, EMGO instituut, Amsterdam
3 TNO Kwaliteit van Leven │ Arbeid, Hoofddorp

OBJECTIVE
The development and (cost-) effectiveness evaluation of a tailored intervention designed to prevent and reduce overweight and musculoskeletal disorders among construction workers.

BACKGROUND
The prevalence of obesity continues to increase rapidly. It is common knowledge that obesity has a negative impact on health, short term (for example musculoskeletal disorders) as well as long term (for example diabetes and cardiovascular disease). Recent research data show that the prevalence of overweight and obesity in workers in the construction industry is even higher than in the general Dutch adult population. Furthermore, in construction workers the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) is high. These complaints result in sickness absence and productivity loss and are possibly related to an unhealthy lifestyle.

METHODS
This research project will consist of two phases. In the first phase, the intervention will be developed using an intervention mapping protocol. To increase the effectiveness and chances of successful implementation of the intervention, and the workers’ compliance, the development will take place in close cooperation with the target group and management of the organisation. The second phase of this project aims at evaluating the intervention. The additional effect of the developed lifestyle intervention compared to usual care will be investigated by means of a randomised controlled trial (RCT). Participants will be assigned randomly to two different groups: (1) a control group receiving usual care, (2) an intervention group receiving the intervention designed for this research in addition to usual care.
Measurements will take place preceding the intervention (baseline, T0), directly following the intervention (after 6 months, T1), and after 12 months (T2) to evaluate the long term effects.
Primary outcome variables are body weight, physical fitness, and musculoskeletal complaints. Secondary outcome variables will be lifestyle behaviours and work-related variables such as vitality, productivity, and work ability. In addition, the cost-effectiveness of the intervention will be analysed. Finally, a process evaluation will be performed.

RESULTS
The intervention will be developed in 2008/2009. The start of the RCT will be in 2009. The first results can be expected in 2011.

For more information: E-mail: l.viester@vumc.nl; Tel: 020-4441708