Uptake and drop-out from a corporate health-promotion programme for employees with health risks

 

 

Alan D Rothberg^I; Yoganathan Coopoo^II; Colin Burns^III; Denise Franzsen^IV

^IIMBBCh, PhD, FCP; Head of School of Therapeutic Sciences Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand
^IID.Phil, FACSM; Adjunct Professor, Centre for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand
^IIIMBChB; HealthInSite
^IVB SC (OT), M Sc (OT), DHT; Lecturer, Department of Occupational Therapy , School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand

Correspondence

 

 

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ABSTRACT

This study was: to offer a group of at-risk employees individualised fitness programmes; to assess their occupational imbalance and alienation, and to monitor engagement in the programme in the context of the Model of Human Occupation. Participants were offered a physical assessment, an individualised fitness programme, health risk and life balance questionnaires, personalised feedback and a metabolic assessment. Uptake, drop-out and retention were measured, and profiles of participants in the latter two categories were analysed.
Of 122 employees with previously-identified health risks, 52% declined to participate, 20% dropped out and 23% completed the six month programme. The drop-outs constituted a higher-risk sub-group which potentially has significant implications for the company's productivity. Identification of health risks should be supplemented by active intervention in terms of support for participants who are ready for change and assessment of personal causation, interests, values, roles and habits, for those who fail to respond or who respond but drop out.

Key words: Health Risks, Model of Human Occupation, Retention and drop out, Health promotion programme

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Correspondence:
Alan D Rothberg MBBCh
Head of School of Therapeutic Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand
7 York Rd.
PARKTOWN 2193
Alan.Rothberg@wits.ac.za