Body@Work

‘VIP in Onderzoek’: the effectiveness of an intervention on energy balance related behaviors and work engagement

PERIOD
December 2008 – december 2012

FUNDING
Delta Lloyd Groep Zorgverzekeringen B.V.

INVESTIGATORS
Jantien van Berkel, MA 1, 2
Cécile Boot, PhD 1, 2
Karin Proper, MSc, PhD 1, 2, 3
Prof. dr. A.J. van der Beek 1,2
Prof. dr. ir. P.M. Bongers 1,3

1 Department of Public and Occupational Health - EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
2 Body@Work, Research Center on Physical Activity, Work and Health, TNO-VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
3 TNO Quality of Life, Department of Work and Employment, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Overweight has negative effects on health and is also associated with numerous negative business-related outcomes. Prevention of overweight through targeting both sides of the energy balance (dietary behavior and physical activity) is therefore beneficial for both employee and employer. The concept of work engagement has become more known over the last few years. As it is associated with numerous positives outcomes, for employee as well as for employer, it is for both parties a relevant concept to stimulate amongst employees.
The study population of ‘VIP in Onderzoek’ consists of employees of a research institute. These employees have been involved in the development of the intervention by making use of the ‘intervention mapping’ method. Input has been provided through individual interviews, focus group interviews and questionnaires.
Based on this input – combined with scientific literature- an intervention has been developed. The effectiveness of this intervention will be evaluated in this study. For this purpose, participants are divided in two groups to be able to compare.

OBJECTIVES
The study aims to develop an intervention to improve workers' energy balance related lifestyle behaviors (EBRB) to prevent overweight and to improve work engagement and subsequently evaluate the intervention developed.

METHODS
This study consists of two phases.
In the first phase, the intervention will be developed using an intervention mapping protocol. By collaborating closely and structured with the target group and the management, changes of effectiveness of the intervention are expected to increase.
The second phase of this study aims at evaluating the intervention. This will be done by means of a randomised controlled trial (RCT). The study population consists of employees of a Dutch research institute. Participants will be assigned randomly to two different groups: a control group and an intervention group. Measurements will take place preceding the intervention (baseline, T0), directly following the intervention (after 6 months, T1), and after 12 months (T2).

Primary outcome variables are specific energy balance related behaviors (physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake and sedentary behavior) and work engagement. Secondary outcome variables are health related items such as BMI, waist circumference, mental health, vitality and work-related variables such as productivity and work ability. In addition to evaluating the effectiveness, a process evaluation will be performed.

RESULTS
The RCT will start in the beginning of 2010. The first results are expected in 2011.

More information :
Jantien van Berkel MA
e-mail: j.vanberkel@vumc.nl
tel: +31 20 4445376