The effectiveness of workplace wellness programs on cardiovascular health with its potential implications in Hong Kong

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of workplace wellness program (WWP) on reducing the risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and to explore its potential applicability in Hong Kong to prevent CVDs among the working population. Method: A systematic review was conducted by searching PubMed, Medline and Cochrane Library to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from April 2005 to April 2015 related to WWP for cardiovascular health promotion or CVDs prevention among employees. Results: Seven RCTs were included in this systematic review. The effectiveness of WWPs for preventing CVDs by making behavioral changes and modifying the intermediate health outcomes was evaluated. Onsite interventions were implemented in five studies. These mainly included health education, exercise program and health risk assessment followed by individual counseling on lifestyle modifications. The other two studies adopted internet-based interventions including exercise reminder via email and an online health education program. Among the five studies with onsite WWP, all found significant changes in the intermediate health outcomes related to CVDs risks, including improvement in lipid profile, blood pressure (BP) and body mass index (BMI). In terms of behavioral changes, only one onsite intervention study and one internet-based intervention study found significant improvement in smoking and physical activities. Conclusion: Comprehensive WWP, with health risk assessment, individual counseling for lifestyle modification and health educations on CVDs risk factors, have consistently shown improvements in the intermediate health outcomes. The WWPs could reduce CVD risks by modifying the risk factors. Since CVD is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Hong Kong, WWP targeting cardiovascular health among the working population could be effective and should be actively considered.