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Health under Construction

PERIOD
April 2006 – April 2010
 

FUNDING
Stichting Arbouw.
 

INVESTIGATORS
Mw. drs. I.F. Groeneveld 1,2
Mw. dr. K.I. Proper 1,2
Prof. dr. A.J.van der Beek 1,2
Prof. dr. W. van Mechelen 1,2
Dr. V.H. Hildebrandt 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, Leiden
 

AIM
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are responsible for high morbidity and mortality. Most risk factors for CVD are lifestyle-related. In construction industry, many have an unhealthy lifestyle. 34% of all workers in construction industry is a smoker, 82% does not fulfill the Dutch norm for vigorous physical activity, and 64 is overweight. Our goal is to find out the (cost-) effectiveness of a lifestyle intervention for male workers in construction industry with an elevated risk of CVD. The study was commissioned by Arbouw, the Dutch national organization involved in monitoring and improving labour conditions and occupational health of workers in construction industry.
 

METHOD
In this randomised controlled trial (RCT), 816 workers participate. The intervention took place between May 2007 and October 2008. Participants in the intervention group received individual lifestyle counselling, carried out by an occupational physician or nurse. The goal was to change physical activity, dietary and/ or smoking behaviour. Within six months, three face-to-face and four telephone contacts were carried out, in Motivational Interviewing style. The control group received usual care. Based on the results of their Periodical Health Screening at the occupational health service, male workers at risk for CVD were selected and invited for the study. After six and 12 months, follow-up measurements took place. Primary outcome measures are physical activity, diet and smoking. Also, weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and HbA1c are measured. Besides, we will evaluate the determinants of behaviour. Last, absenteeism and cost-effectiveness will be determined.
 

RESULTS
The results will be available at the end of 2009.
 

Email: iris.groeneveld@vumc.nl ; Tel: 020-4446496; www.bouwenaangezondheid.nl