Workplace nutrition and physical activity promotion at Liverpool Hospital

Abstract

Issue addressed: The workplace is an effective way of reaching large numbers of adults during working hours, and increasing physical activity, promoting healthy eating or both. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of a workplace intervention in a hospital setting in Australia. Methods: A 12-week program was conducted with 399 employees of Liverpool Hospital, NSW, to increase physical activity and healthy eating. Participants received a pedometer, healthy cookbook, water bottle, sandwich container and Measure Up campaign resources. A web-based survey was completed at baseline and follow up. Results: Sixty-six per cent of participants completed the follow-up survey. Those that did not complete the follow-up evaluation were not significantly different to completers. Respondents reported a significant increase in median minutes walked to 200 minutes and in vigorous physical activity to 85 minutes over the previous week. Participants consuming adequate fruit and vegetable per day increased by 24.7% and 22.7%, respectively. More participants also consumed breakfast on seven days of the week and consumed one or more litres of water per day. Conclusions: The intervention was successful for the participants. With some improvements to processes, we encourage further similar programs with the health sector workforce. Key words: physical activity, nutrition, workplace, health promotion, hospital, pedometer