The relationship between hospital employees' participation in a worksite wellness program and positive changes in their diet, exercise, and weight management behaviors

This study examined the relationship between participation in a worksite wellness program by hospital employees and positive changes in their diet, exercise, and weight management behaviors. Research data were collected using a survey questionnaire developed by the researcher and her advisor as part of an evaluation of the hospital's worksite wellness program. The program had been implemented in Fall of 1997. The behavior-change questions solicited information on dietary modification of fruit, vegetable, and fat intake; changes in level of exercise, and weight management. Questionnaires were distributed to the 449 employees, and 97 respondents returned completed questionnaires, for a 21.6% response rate. Descriptive statistics and chi-squares tests for significant differences were used to analyze the data between the 64 participants and 33 non-participants. No significant differences were found in the dietary and exercise behaviors between the two groups. However, significant changes were found in weight loss behavior for the non-participants.