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Effectiveness of workplace health promotion and primary prevention interventions: a review

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Abstract

Background

Workplace health promotion and primary prevention interventions are highly prevalent. However, their effectiveness remains mostly unclear.

Aim

This article compiles and summarizes the results of current reviews concerning the effectiveness of health promotion and primary prevention interventions in the workplace.

Subjects and methods

Studies were selected from four electronic databases on the basis of the following criteria: (1) Meta-analysis or systematic reviews, (2) published in international peer-reviewed journals (3) between 1 January 2004 and 30 June 2008 (4) in English or German (5) that examined the effectiveness of workplace health promotion and primary prevention interventions.

Results

Seventeen reviews met the inclusion criteria and were subsequently categorized into the following areas of intervention: stress, physical activity and nutrition, organizational development, smoking, and ergonomics and back pain. Singular interventions showed limited effectiveness. Workplace interventions aimed at helping individuals reported substantially greater effects than workplace interventions aimed at the workforce as a whole; here, methodological influences play an important role.

Conclusions

The greatest results are achievable through comprehensive multimodal (or systemic) programs including relational and behavioral elements. Future research is needed in the conception of methodologically sound and setting-appropriate study designs.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank two anonymous peer reviewers for helpful suggestions and Kurt Ubelhoer from Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration for his valuable support in the English language.

Note: This article is a modification of the Goldgruber and Ahrens (2009) review.

Conflict of interest

The authors disclose any relevant association that might pose a conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Core competence Health, University of Applied Sciences Burgenland, Steinamangerstraße 21, 7423, Pinkafeld, Austria

    Judith Goldgruber

  2. Degree program Health Management, University Aalen, Beethovenstraße 1, 73430, Aalen, Germany

    Dieter Ahrens

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  1. Judith Goldgruber
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  2. Dieter Ahrens
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Correspondence to Judith Goldgruber.

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Goldgruber, J., Ahrens, D. Effectiveness of workplace health promotion and primary prevention interventions: a review. J Public Health 18, 75–88 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-009-0282-5

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