Publications by authors named "Alberto Colombi"

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between the process and outcomes of worksite wellness committees (WWCs) implementing worksite health promotion programs at PPG Industries, Inc.

Methods: We developed two unique tools to understand how WWCs function and to assess their program implementation. We then analyzed survey data from 65 PPG worksites, measuring process and program implementation.

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Objective: Over the past several years, PPG Industries (PPG) implemented worksite health promotion programs aimed at improving employees' health and reducing overall medical costs as well as those specific to cardiovascular disease.

Methods: Using medical claims data, we examined trends in these costs among PPG employees for a 6-year period, from 2005 to 2010.

Results: Overall medical costs remained relatively flat, increasing by 1.

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Background: In forecasting the future of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the American Heart Association calls for preventive strategies with particular attention to obesity. The association between obesity and CVD, including coronary artery disease (CAD) and diabetes, is well established. The rising prevalence of obesity in the workforce may have additional implications for employers and employees besides the demonstrated effects on absenteeism and workers' compensation.

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Objective: To evaluate the relationship between critical factors for successful worksite health promotion programs such as management support and program implementation and health care costs at PPG Industries.

Methods: We analyzed survey data from 37 PPG worksites measuring management support and program implementation. We estimated the relationship between management and implementation scores in 2007 and subsequent health care costs in 2008 using ordinary least squares regression.

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There is evidence that work schedules may influence rates of unhealthy behaviors, suggesting that addressing work schedule challenges may improve health. Health Risk Assessment (HRA) survey responses were collected during 2000-2008 in a multinational chemical and coatings manufacturer. Responses of 26,442 were sufficiently complete for analysis.

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One important health outcome of inappropriate medication use in the elderly is risk of hospitalization. We examined this relationship over 3 years in a retiree health claims database to determine the strength of this association using alternative definitions of potentially inappropriate medications. Prescription and hospitalization claims for US retirees from a single large corporation were examined over the 3-year period, 2003-5.

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Objectives: To test the workplace impact of depression when it is stratified by severity and considered in broader context.

Methods: Structural equation models of health risk appraisal data (n = 39,097) involving 41 measures of contextual characteristics, depression severity, health, and job performance.

Results: Approximately 15.

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Objective: To assess the effects of copayments on oral diabetes medication adherence, health resource utilization, and expenditure.

Methods: Retrospective, observational analysis of medical and pharmacy claims data from PPG Industries employees, retirees, and dependents (2003-2005). Average monthly copayments were stratified low (US$0-9), medium (US$10-19), or high (US$20+).

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PPG Industries is a manufacturer of coatings, chemicals, optical products, specialty materials, glass, and fiberglass. The company's approach to healthcare combines perhaps 2 disparate concepts. The first is that employee health and behavior change relies to a large degree on employee awareness and ownership of their own health and second that "what gets measured gets done.

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