A systematic review of the cost-effectiveness of worksite physical activity and/or nutrition programs.

Scand J Work Environ Health

Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, Department of Health Sciences, Unit Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Published: September 2012

Objective: The aim of this study was to appraise and summarize the evidence on the cost-effectiveness of worksite physical activity and/or nutrition programs.

Methods: We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, SportDiscus, PsycInfo, NIOSHTIC-2, NHSEED, HTA, and Econlit for studies published up to 14 January 2011. Additionally, we searched for articles by reviewing references, searching authors' databases, and contacting authors of included studies. Two researchers independently selected articles. Articles had to include a cost-effectiveness and/or cost-utility analysis comparing a worksite physical activity and/or nutrition program to usual care or an abridged version of the program. Data were extracted on study characteristics and results. Two researchers independently assessed the risk of bias using the Consensus on Health Economic Criteria list (CHEC-list).

Results: Ten studies (18 programs) were included. More than 50% of the studies fulfilled 11 (58%) of the 19 CHEC-list items. From various perspectives, worksite nutrition and worksite physical activity and nutrition programs (N=6) were more costly and more effective in reducing body weight than usual care. When only intervention costs were considered, most worksite nutrition (N=4/5) and worksite physical activity and nutrition programs (N=5/6) were more costly and more effective in reducing cholesterol level and cardiovascular disease risks, respectively.

Conclusions: The cost-effectiveness of more costly and more effective programs depends on the "willingness to pay" for their effects. It is unknown how much decision-makers are willing to pay for reductions in body weight, cholesterol level, and cardiovascular disease risks. Therefore, conclusions about the cost-effectiveness of worksite physical activity and/or nutrition programs cannot be made. There is substantial need for improvement of the methodological quality of studies and particular emphasis should be placed on the handling of uncertainty.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.3275DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

worksite physical
24
physical activity
24
activity and/or
16
and/or nutrition
16
nutrition programs
16
cost-effectiveness worksite
12
costly effective
12
worksite
8
nutrition
8
researchers independently
8

Similar Publications

Nurses' viewpoint of sustaining work despite musculoskeletal pain: A qualitative study.

J Educ Health Promot

December 2024

Health in Disasters and Emergencies Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.

Background: The nursing profession consistently has the highest rates of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among occupations due to physical and psychological pressures, leading to an increased number of sickness absences, early retirement, staff shortage, poor health conditions, and need for medical care. Absence among healthcare workers puts the quality of patient care at risk, and increase colleagues' workload and employer staffing expenses. This study aimed to investigate the viewpoints of Iranian nurses about sustaining work despite musculoskeletal pain.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The impact of workplace violence on healthcare workers during and after the COVID-19 outbreak.

Public Health Pract (Oxf)

June 2025

Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified workplace violence (WPV) against healthcare workers, exposing them to unprecedented levels of aggression. Incidents of verbal abuse, threats, and physical assaults have increased, especially in high-stress environments such as emergency departments and intensive care units, exacerbating psychological challenges for healthcare staff. This commentary explores the profound impact of WPV on healthcare workers' mental health and job satisfaction.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Conflict at work and incident chronic low back pain: a retrospective cohort of more than 101,000 adults from Germany.

Int Arch Occup Environ Health

January 2025

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Lariboisière- Fernand Widal Hospital, Université Paris Cité, Assistance Publique- Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.

Purpose: Little is known about the relationship between conflict at work and incident chronic low back pain (CLBP). Thus, this retrospective cohort study analyzed the association between conflict at work and the five-year incidence of CLBP in adults living in Germany.

Methods: This study included individuals aged 18-65 years reporting conflict at work for the first time in one of 1,293 general practices in Germany between 2005 and 2022 (index date).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: The construction industry, known for its high-risk environment, increasingly acknowledges the psychological risks to workers. Despite well-documented physical hazards, mental health challenges within this workforce have garnered attention. This systematic review provides a scholarly synthesis of literature on psychological risks and their causative factors affecting construction workers, adhering to PRISMA protocols.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Individuals in the veterinary profession are experiencing significant mental health and wellbeing challenges. A holistic view of wellbeing, which encompasses both physical and mental health, underscores their interconnected nature. This integrated approach reduces the artificial separation of wellbeing facets, and highlights how mental states influence not only individuals, but also their interactions with animals, the environment, and others in the workplace.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!